The Green Bay Packers (9-4) are headed to Seattle to take on the NFC West-leading Seahawks (8-5) at Lumen Field on “Sunday Night Football” in Week 15. With a win and some help, Matt LaFleur’s team can clinch a playoff spot this week. Even without the help, a win will push the Packers to the precipice of the postseason.
The Packers haven’t won in Seattle since 2008, and coach Matt LaFleur said playing there is a “chore.” Overall, however, the Packers have won five of the last six meetings with the Seahawks.
Can the Packers, who had their win streak snapped last week, return the favor to the Seahawks, who have won four straight games coming out of the bye?
Here’s a closer look at the Seahawks entering Week 15:
Last week (Win, 30-18 over Cardinals)
The Cardinals scored on their opening possession, but the Seahawks responded with 17 straight points and then took complete control of the game with a 51-yard touchdown run from Zach Charbonnet early in the second half. Charbonnet finished with 134 rushing yards, 59 receiving yards and two touchdowns, Geno Smith completed 24 of 30 passes without a turnover and the Seahawks defense produced two interceptions and two sacks against Kyler Murray. Seattle had nine penalties but converted 7-of-15 third downs. Slot receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba caught five passes for 82 yards and a touchdown. Ernest Jones and Coby Bryant had interceptions. The Seahawks swept the Cardinals in 2024, outscoring Arizona by 22 points.
Quarterback play
Veteran Geno Smith ranks second in the NFL in completions, attempts and passing yards and fifth in completion percentage. The Seahawks have thrown the ball a ton this season, and Smith has been accurate as usual. However, he also ranks 30th in touchdown percentage and 17th in yards per attempt, and he’s thrown the third-most interceptions (12). The two-time Pro Bowler has a big arm, the mobility to extend plays and a playmaking style that isn’t vastly different from Jordan Love. Smith has three games with a passer rating over 100.0 and only two under 80.0, so there’s a general consistency to his game. He has been sacked 40 times behind a shaky offensive line.
Line of scrimmage
The Seahawks rank 23rd in pass-blocking grade and 27th in run-blocking grade, highlighting the offense’s big weakness. Geno Smith has been sacked 40 times and Seahawks rushers are averaging only 4.1 yards per attempt, so stopping Seattle has to start up front. Left tackle Charles Cross is the best player along the offensive line, but the other four spots all could be considered question marks. The Seahawks defense ranks 21st in both run defense grade and pass-rushing grade, but the defensive front features Leonard Williams, Boye Mafe, Jarran Reed, Dre’Mont Jones and Derick Hall, all capable pass-rushers. The key will be running the football — the Seahawks are giving up 4.7 yards per attempt this season.
Turnovers
The Seahawks have turned the ball over 19 times, mostly due to Geno Smith’s 12 interceptions. Smith has also fumbled seven times without losing one. He must be considered loose with the football, potentially providing takeaway chances for the Packers opportunistic defense. Overall, Seattle is minus-four in turnover differential. The Seahawks defense has seven different players with an interception, including two pick-sixes, plus two fumbles returned for touchdowns. The Seahawks haven’t been turnover magnets but the takeaways have come in big spots and often produced game-changing moments.
Injury situation
The big injury to watch this week is for running back Kenneth Walker, who missed last week’s win with an ankle injury and has a questionable status going into Sunday night. Punter Michael Dickson had a back injury going into last week but played through it. Backup cornerback Tre Brown didn’t play with a hamstring injury. Tight end Noah Fant and defensive back K’Von Wallace are among those on injured reserve. The Seahawks are relatively healthy for Week 15 of a season.
Players to know
WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba: The 2023 first-round pick has 75 catches and is well on his way to his first career 1,000-yard season. He can play outside or in the slot and is effective both in the intermediate and deep parts of the field, making him a difficult weapon to cover.
DL Leonard Williams: A game-wrecker. He has 7.0 sacks, 12 tackles for loss and 20 quarterback hits, all team highs. The big defensive tackle also returned a pick of Aaron Rodgers 92 yards for a touchdown.
S Julian Love: The other J Love. He has two interceptions, two forced fumbles and eight total passes defensed this season for the Seahawks.
CB Devon Witherspoon: He leads the team with 28 “stops,” or tackles creating an offensive failure. Rarely do corners lead a team in stops. Witherspoon is an excellent run defender.
DL Jarran Reed: The former Packer has 34 pressures, including eight quarterback hits. Reed and Williams are a handful inside on passing downs.
RB Zach Charbonnet: He’s the backup running back, but Charbonnet has been effective in his second season, averaging more yards per carry and more yards per touch than Kenneth Walker.
