NFL Week 1 Schedule, Preview and Predictions: Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks to Square Off in Opener
Finally, the 2014 National Football League season is here.
After not playing a single game since Feb. 2, NFL fans from all around the world can finally watch the game they love after a seven-month break. The Seattle Seahawks will take on the high powered offense of the Green Bay Packers at Century Link Field in this year's opener. Fans couldn't ask for a better way to start off this season.
Seattle Seahawks
Last season, the Seahawks had one of the greatest defenses in NFL history. The "Legion of Boom" secondary is by far the best in the league today. Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas, Kam Chancellor and Byron Maxwell look to be unstoppable against any quarterback. Unlike many others teams, the Seahawks didn't suffer from salary cap issues or lose key free agents.
Of course, defense is the name of the game in Seattle, but this offense is good as well. Quarterback Russell Wilson has posted 52 touchdowns to just 19 interceptions and an elite 100.6 quarterback rating in his first two seasons. Wilson is also a terrific mobile quarterback. Marshawn Lynch is no slouch himself, having rushed for over 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns the last three consecutive seasons.
Percy Harvin is back and ready to go after missing almost all of last season, and his special teams talents are one of the best in the league. Expect the 12th man to play a role in this game.
Green Bay Packers
Many people are picking the Packers to win it all this season. They did win the Super Bowl four years ago. Any time you have an elite quarterback like Aaron Rodgers, you have a fighting chance. The Packers haven't had a losing season since 2008, and they show no signs of slowing down. Even last season Rodgers missed nearly half the season and they still won the NFC North.
This will be a tough test for Rodgers and the Pack. Losing nose tackle B.J. Raji may be a bigger loss than most people think. The former No. 9 overall draft pick doesn't put up huge fantasy numbers, but he stops the run. Without Raji on the starting defensive line, Lynch may run wild up the middle. Expect Jordy Nelson to show up, but the Seahawks should keep him in check, as they do with every wide receiver.
With crowd noise such a big factor, Packers running back Eddie Lacy is going to have to play terrific for the Packers to win.
Where and When to Watch
The Packers will face the Seahawks at Century Link Field at 8:30 EST on NBC.
Prediction
This should be a great game for fans regardless of who you're pulling for. The Packers will hang in and may even lead the game early on. As the game proceeds, the Seahawks defense will take over and the crowd noise will play a factor. Rodgers will have to use his legs to make first downs against this defense. The Seahawks will gradually pull away and eventually win 27-20.