Packers vs Seahawks NFL Week 15 SNF Picks

The first primetime game in Week 15 of the NFL season was a dud on Thursday, as the Los Angeles Rams doubled the San Francisco 49ers in a field-goal battle to prevail 12-6 in a division-rivalry showdown that produced a total of zero touchdowns. Will Sunday Night Football provide more entertainment? On paper, it should be a good one between the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks. Both teams are currently in playoff position, with Green Bay (9-4) occupying a wild-card spot and Seattle (8-5) leading the NFC West.

Kickoff in Seattle is 8:20 PM ET on NBC. Let’s take a look at the best bets to make. 

Packers vs Seahawks Predictions 

Pick #1 – Packers -2.5 (-115) 

Pick #2 – Under 46.5 (-115) 

Pick #3 – Josh Jacobs Over 73.5 Rushing Yards (-115) 

PICK #1: Packers packing a punch in recent weeks 

The Packers have been in fine form pretty much all season long. They are top 10 in the NFL in opponent points per game, yards per play and yards per rush. Head coach Matt LaFleur’s squad has been especially impressive of late, with a 3-1 record in their last four outings and their only loss during this stretch coming at the hands of the Detroit Lions – the best team in the NFC – by a 34-31 margin on the road. Green Bay is also 7-2 in its last nine contests.

Indeed, the Seahawks are also playing well, but for the most part, they have victimized unspectacular opponents who have been unable to get out of their own way. Seattle’s offense is relatively one-dimensional, given a lack of production from the running game, and QB Geno Smith may have a hard time single-handedly breaking down a solid Green Bay defense. Look for the Packers to prevail by a field goal or more. 

PICK #2: Playoff atmosphere should lead to a low-scoring affair  

Seattle’s inability to run the ball has bogged down its offense, but it has been stout defensively over the past month. In their last four games, the Seahawks have held opponents to an average of just 15.5 points – a mark that would make them the best-scoring defense in the league. They have recorded 11 sacks in four games since their bye week, which is nothing special, but at the same time, it is a substantial improvement for head coach Mike Macdonald’s outfit.

Although the Packers may be able to find some success on the ground against a Seattle defense that is weaker in that department, at least that would make scoring drives more of a slog than a sprint. QB Jordan Love probably won’t be able to go over the top of the Seahawks’ secondary. In what should be a playoff type of atmosphere, count on both defenses stepping up on Sunday. 

PICK #3: Jacobs poised for more success 

Packers RB Josh Jacobs has been bottled up a bit in recent weeks, which is part of the reason why you can grab his rushing total at a modest 73.5 number. It’s one he should be able to exceed, as Jacobs’ season-long production has been impressive. The former Alabama standout has already surpassed the 1,000-yard mark (1,053) on 4.4 yards per carry to go along with 12 touchdowns (11 rushing, one receiving).

Jacobs has surpassed this number in five of the last seven contests, and there is no reason why he can’t do the same against Seattle. The Seahawks are No. 21 in the NFL against the run (126.5 yards allowed per game), and they give up the eight-most yards per rush attempt (4.7).