Green Bay Packers v. Seattle Seahawks 2008 NFL Playoff Odds
The Seahawks meet the Packers at Lambeau Field Saturday for a shot at the NFC Championship. The Packers, who had a bye last week as the NFC’s No. 2 seed, return to the postseason after a two-year hiatus. They haven’t won a playoff game since their win over the Seahawks four years ago. The Seahawks won the overtime toss in that game and Matt Hasselbeck exclaimed, “We want the ball and we’re going to score.” Hasselbeck proceeded to throw and interception to Al Harris as he returned it for a touchdown to make Hasselbeck swallow his words. This was a play that will forever live in Packers’ history.
“We’re going to take that ball the first time we get it and score,” Hasselbeck joked after the Seahawks booked another postseason trip to Green Bay with a 35-14 wild card victory over the Washington Redskins on Saturday. Hasselbeck poked fun at himself and now it’s time for Matt to try and make up for his embarrassing remark four seasons ago. It won’t be easy against Green Bay who finished with a 13-3 season in perhaps Brett Favre’s best season of his career. He has put his doubters in his place and given the Packers a legitimate shot at making a Super Bowl.
Both teams rely heavily on the passing game. If the weather becomes a factor Saturday, both of these pass-happy teams may be left with no other choice but to run the ball the majority of the time. Weather forecasts call for 32-degrees and a very small chance of snow. But winds at Lambeau Field have not always been the most friendly over the years. It is much easier to pass the ball in the rain than it is in the wind. The Packers should have the edge in the running game behind Ryan Grant. After playing sparingly in Green Bay’s first six games, Grant finished with 956 yards, surpassing the century mark five times. He also carried the rock into the end zone eight times. Seattle appears to have a 1-2 punch in Shaun Alexander and Maurice Morris. Neither is as talented as grant, but Alexander was a gamer against the Bears last season and the Seahawks are going to really need him if they have any chance of winning this NFC Divisional game.
The Seahawks are supposed to have all four of their stud receivers healthy for the first time all season heading into this game. Deion Branch sat out against the Redskins last week, but he won’t be sitting this game out. Branch’s playoff experience with a Super Bowl win at New England will help this group of wide receivers Saturday. D.J. Hackett is also healthy and it’s only the 3rd time all season he and Branch will be playing in the same game. Hasselbeck has a bruised thigh after the huge hit he took from cornerback Fred Smoot last week. He should be good to go Saturday, but his ability to move around in the pocket could be hampered a bit. If the Packers can get pressure against a small Seattle offensive line, it could be a long day for Hasselbeck and this Seahawks’ offense.
One key Saturday could be how well the Packers’ line protects Favre. Green Bay surrendered only 19 sacks, tied for third-fewest in the league. However, Seattle recorded 45, the league’s fourth-best mark. This chess match will also play a big role in who comes out on top Saturday. Brett Favre has taken his fair share of shots over his career, but one big shot would really test Favre’s old age. Patrick Kerney, a pro-bowler at defensive end for Seattle, brings it with the best ends in the league. He goes full speed every play and he’s a tough block for even the best tackles week in and week out. The Green Bay defense is only giving up 14.4 points a game at home so the Seahawks already have the cards stacked against them here. This is one of the neatest venues for a sports event in the world and it should be host to a very exciting and entertaining NFC Divisional game Saturday between the Packers and Seahawks.
Notable Trends for betting Seahawks at Packers:
Green Bay is 12-3-1 ATS on the season with the league’s best ATS mark.
Seattle is 11-22 ATS in its last 33 road games.
Holmgren is 5-3 ATS in 8 playoff games with Seattle.
Seahawks are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 games in Green Bay.
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