Packers To Claim Crucial Win Over Seahawks

The Green Bay Packers and the Seattle Seahawks have played out thrilling clashes in recent years. Expect their week one encounter at Lambeau Field to be no different.

Although early in the season, the result could have huge consequences down the line in the NFC Conference. The victor will hold the tie-breaker between the two sides, which could decide the battle for the number one seed and home-field advantage through the playoffs.

Drama has never been in short supply when these sides have collided in recent seasons. In the 2012 campaign their contest became known as the ‘Fail Mary’, centering on a decision made by the replacement referees.

The official controversially awarded a touchdown on the final play of the game, despite Packers safety MD Jennings seemingly making an interception of Russell Wilson.

In the 2014 NFC Championship game, the Packers were in complete control of the contest. However, Brandon Bostick fumbled a late onside kick from the Seahawks at CenturyLink Field, allowing Wilson to put his side ahead.

Aaron Rodgers brought his side back into the game, only to see the Seattle win the match in overtime and head to Super Bowl XLIX.

The Packers got a semblance of revenge last season, hammering the Seahawks 38-10 at Lambeau. Mike McCarthy’s men will be desperate for a win to kickstart the term over one of their bitter rivals.

Green Bay Packers

The Packers’ 2016 season ended in the NFC Championship with a game to the Atlanta Falcons. Rodgers admitted that he’s nearing the end of his career, which will increase the urgency to return to the Super Bowl.

His offense stalled in the early stages of the last campaign, but clicked into gear in their run to the post-season.

Jordy Nelson is two years removed from his ACL tear so he should be firing on cylinders from the off.

He still notched 1,257 yards and 14 touchdowns last term, despite not being at his best early on, highlighting the impact he could have in the new season. Davante Adams and Randall Cobb will also play a crucial role, especially against ‘The Legion of Boom’ in the opener.

The addition of Martellus Bennett during free agency will give Rodgers a high-quality target at the tight end position for the first time since the departure of Jermichael Finley. As a result, expect the quarterback to thrive even more as he has an option in the middle of the field.

Green Bay’s downfall in the playoffs last term was the play of their secondary. Defensive coordinator Dom Capers has survived his unit’s failure, although the club have not made significant improvements.

Ahmad Brooks was signed to bolster their pass-rush following his release by the San Francisco 49ers. He will replace the veteran presence lost by Julius Pepper’s exit.

The pressing need was in the secondary which has not fully addressed. Kevin King was drafted, while Davon House returned to the Packers after a spell with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The lack of quality in the secondary outside of Ha Ha Clinton-Dix could be the reason for their demise as well.

Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks were also conquered by the Falcons in the playoffs last term, ending their campaign in the Divisional Round. An injury to Earl Thomas loomed large as Seattle’s secondary was exposed by the Falcons in their heavy defeat at the Georgia Dome.

Thomas suffered a broken leg towards the end of the regular season and his side missed his range in the back end, which allowed the elite quarterbacks in the NFC to capitalise. The 28-year-old has returned to fitness after initially suggesting that he was considering retirement.

Head coach Pete Carroll will be desperate for him to return to form as there are questions marks over whether ‘The Legion of Boom’ can maintain their incredibly high standards. Richard Sherman was reportedly on the trade block earlier in the off-season. The cornerback has also criticised Wilson for the club’s inability to match the top offenses in the Conference.

That could lead to a boiling point this season, although the talent remains immense on the defensive side of the ball. Seattle landed one of the biggest trades of the off-season by acquiring Sheldon Richards from the New York Jets. He gives them arguably the most dominant defensive line in the NFL alongside Michael Bennett, Cliff Avril, Frank Clark and Jarran Reed.

As a result, the defense should be once again ranked in the top five in the league – at the least. Their fortunes this season will hinge on the offense. If Wilson can take the next step to match the production of the elite quarterbacks in the NFL then the Seahawks will be on course for another charge at the Super Bowl.

However, another season of inconsistent form could cost the side and bring further disharmony to the ranks.

Betting Options

The Packers crushed the Seahawks in their contest last season. However, it was Seattle’s first game without Thomas in the secondary, which allowed Rodgers to brutally expose his replacement. With the return of the three-time All-Pro life will not be as straightforward for the quarterback, although he has a plethora of weapons to attack ‘The Legion of Boom’.

It’s an incredibly tough match to predict as the Seahawks have the ability to cause problems against the Packers’ offensive line to put Rodgers under pressure. Fortunately for McCarthy’s men, the 33-year-old is just as deadly off the spot and throwing on the run as he is in a stationary position.

That fact along with the number of weapons Green Bay have at their disposal should give the home side the advantage, especially against Seattle’s nickel defense. The battle will come between the Seahawks’ offense and the Packers’ defense. If the home side are able to knock Wilson off his rhythm and Rodgers is able to keep the pressure on with regular scores the Packers should secure the win.

Therefore backing the Packers at odds of 1.87Bet €100 to win €18787/100Bet £100 to win £187-115Bet $100 to win $1870.87Bet HK$100 to win HK$187-1.15Bet Rp100 to win Rp1870.8700Bet RM100 to win RM187  with TopBet sportsbook is the option to take. McCarthy’s men are also goo value to beat the -5.5 spread at odds of 2.10Bet €100 to win €21011/10Bet £100 to win £210+110Bet $100 to win $2101.10Bet HK$100 to win HK$2101.10Bet Rp100 to win Rp210-0.9091Bet RM100 to win RM210  with SkyBet.

Rodgers put 38 points on the Seahawks last time out and taking him to score over 29 at odds of 2.35Bet €100 to win €23527/20Bet £100 to win £235+135Bet $100 to win $2351.35Bet HK$100 to win HK$2351.35Bet Rp100 to win Rp235-0.7407Bet RM100 to win RM235  with Ladbrokes is a prudent bet.

Tips Summary

Green Bay Packers To Beat Seattle Seahawks
Sunday 10th September 2017 4:25 ET (21:25 BST)
Odds: 1.87Bet €100 to win €18787/100Bet £100 to win £187-115Bet $100 to win $1870.87Bet HK$100 to win HK$187-1.15Bet Rp100 to win Rp1870.8700Bet RM100 to win RM187

Green Bay Packers To Beat Seattle Seahawks By Over 5.5
Sunday 10th September 2017 4:25 ET (21:25 BST)
Odds: 2.10Bet €100 to win €21011/10Bet £100 to win £210+110Bet $100 to win $2101.10Bet HK$100 to win HK$2101.10Bet Rp100 to win Rp210-0.9091Bet RM100 to win RM210

Green Bay Packers To Score Over 29 Points
Sunday 10th September 2017 4:25 ET (21:25 BST)
Odds: 2.35Bet €100 to win €23527/20Bet £100 to win £235+135Bet $100 to win $2351.35Bet HK$100 to win HK$2351.35Bet Rp100 to win Rp235-0.7407Bet RM100 to win RM235