Green Bay Packers: 5 Bold predictions vs. Seahawks in Divisional Round
By Joe Kipp
2. Packers defense holds Seattle to under 50 rushing yards
There’s no question the Packers have had a porous run defense for much of the season, which figures to be a great matchup for the Seahawks’ rushing attack on paper. On the season, Green Bay has allowed 120.1 rushing yards per game (23rd in the NFL), while the Seahawks offense has averaged 133.2 rushing yards per game (sixth).
But over the last three games, the Packers have allowed just 108 rushing yards per game on defense, with Seattle averaging just 93.3 rushing yards per game on offense. The Seahawks are missing their top three running backs from earlier in the season (Chris Carson, Rashaad Penny and C.J. Prosise), which is why the team signed Marshawn Lynch a few weeks ago. Rookie Travis Homer has since taken over as the starting running back.
The Seahawks have been known as a running team for most of Russell Wilson’s career, but Wilson may be forced to take over Sunday’s game if Seattle can’t get anything going on the ground. Lynch has posted just 18 carries for 41 yards in two games this season, while Homer has 29 carries for 126 yards in four games.
The Seahawks will want to rush the ball in certain situations, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see them lean on Wilson to carry the offense, especially if Green Bay gets out to an early lead. I’m predicting Seattle will have less than 50 rushing yards.