This will be a good test for Tom Clements, and we'll get to see what he brings to the table as a play caller. The Packers offense has been shut down the last few years against good defenses and that needs to change if they're gonna win the Super Bowl. The Rams killed the Seahawks with short dump offs to Benny Cunningham last week. Clements needs to take advantage of that, especially with Bulaga out and a shaky back-up in his place. The offense was embarrassing in the NFC Championship game with McCarthy calling plays. I want to see Clements show that he can exploit holes in a defense and take advantage of mismatches. Having Chancellor out should help.

This game is an opportunity for the Packers to send a message to their 2015 opponents and the league. If they win the game they exorcise their own demons and get a leg up for home field for the NFC title game. But if the Packers can win decisively they tell their upcoming opponents, "don't mess with us, especially at Lambeau". The Packers have the better QB, OL and WRs. They are playing at home and that should help the defense. If the Packers can stop Lynch they win big. Packers 37 - Seattle 14. Go Pack Go! Thanks, Since '61

Packers 34- 21

Love the predictions. I too think GB should win. Even without Jordy and Bulaga, they are the better team. Seattle's OL and DB stink without those missing pieces.

Now here's hoping that Rabbit's Foot that's been stuffed up Russell Wilson's rear is finally gone.

GB 28
SEA 24

GPG

I think this game leave the play calling up to Rodgers he is on the field he feels the defense. all the Packers D has to do is stop Lynch an make Wilson play QB, when he has to think he makes mistakes.

I think the ultimate fight is CMIII v Jimmy Graham. One will spy and key off what the other does. If CMIII patrols the middle, JG will decoy him off so Lynch gets play action. If CMIII bites in on Lynch, or rushes RW, then JG slips into the void for serious damage. CMIII will have challenge on whether to spy JG or RW. He'll have his hands full, but I think CMIII is the key to defense, and how he is used, and how he plays will be huge factor in the game. I think CMIII and JG are the two chess-pieces doing battle all game (the knights). Should be awesome for the strategists.

I think Seattle has to compensate for weak Oline and force GBP D to play pass Defense, so they do this with screens and bootlegs, so how does DC counter? A spy on RW? Who keeps RW in check?

> Does MM put JJ or DAdams consistently against Sherman so as to set up the other WR as go-to receiver? What WR matchup v Sherman gets the best advantage for Rodgers?

> Is HHCD or MHyde assigned v JG?

> Is Ty Montgomery v Seattle SP coverage ready for highlight moment? (I hope so).

> Crosby the hero? (I think so).

I really don't think Lynch will tilt the game as a RB, and he can have his 25 carries for 155 yards rushing and in fact let him do it and Seattle loses; but if seattle RBs have a night as receivers, the game arrow points Northwest.

Keys to the D-game: blanket JG and force RW to go to any other receiver; contain Lynch as receiver, contain RW from scramble.
Keys to O-game; JJ v Sherman and DAdams is go-to receiver. RRodgers (as blocker and slipping through for seam routes and underneath Sherman's side. Steady Eddie pounding runs, and outlet passes.

That would make a home team win.

But sorry, this column isn't about wishes, its about predictions. I don't have confidence in DCapers teaching/results until better evidence. As for wishes? Finally overcoming Seattle this year in the playoffs.

From reading this page I guess the SeaChickens have no chance.

Hoo boy. I'm as rah rah positive Packer fan as there is and I still just don't see victory in this one.

I think, at best, this will be a close victory. I think it's more likely for it to be a close loss with a small but decent chance that the Seahawks bury us early. *dodges tomatoes*

I know, I know. I just think we generally match up pretty poorly with them. I think they can run Marshawn all day if they want to, and then turn around and befuddle us with play action. I know they're not much of a read option team, but they could easily pull out 2-3 of those plays for big success too.

Yes, they're not at full strength, don't look like themselves, and aren't at home, but I've seen this story play out in Favre vs. McNabb...Rodgers vs. Kaepernick...and now Rodgers vs. Wilson. (Not that the QBs were always at fault - it was much of the time on our defense, in these match ups) There's just something almost psychological there that I can't get past until I see it with my own eyes.

Packers 27
Seahawks 37

The first 3 quarters of the NFC championship game went just as I thought it would. I thought the Packers had the better team and would prove it. This year I'm not sure I have the same feeling...not enough info yet. But I think we may be a little less ready to perform at a top level while the Seachicks will be far less. I think it ends up being a pretty high scoring affair as both D's are less than they were at the end of last year. Packers win 38-27.

I'd say that if this game were played in week 10, it would be a win. Sorry to say the unpopular opinion, but I have another bad feeling about this game. The Seahacks are desperate, and they're the most physical team in the NFL. The chance to utterly humiliate a team is what motivates them just as much as team that is looking for revenge would be. Our tears give them strength. They're almost demonic to sort of speak.

Injuries are mounting, had Bulaga and Nelson been healthy, this still would be a win, but the Seahacks defense will turn things around in this game and shut down the passing attack and exploit the offensive line.

The defense hasn't shown it can stop the run, and despite playing better as the game progressed against Chicago, Matte Forte is NO Marshawn Lynch!

I really don't care about the Seahacks weaknesses in the secondary or their offensive line, the Packers just don't have the personnel to exploit it.

Packers could not only lose, and I'm sorry to say it, but they could lose ugly. Their best chance was to seek a chance to avenge their NFCCG loss, but their clearly have no interest on reflecting the past.

Ty Montgomery is leading the NFL in KO returns with 35.5 a return. Hasn't had a chance to return a punt yet.

Cobb and Burnett have to be 100% or close to it. W/O Cobb the WRs are less than average. TEs are less than average. O-line is banged up. I see trouble scoring more than 21 points against Seattle if Cobb is limited. If Rodgers is hot he can elevate the WRs, and it is possible that Monty or Janis can step up. GB only threw 2 passes more than 20 yards downfield in week 1. I truly believe that Seattle with those fast LBs knows how to jump short and intermediate routes. If Cobb is limited, Clements has to open up the playbook: we should see Monty lined up in the backfield, etc.

Burnett has to play and play well. Still probably see much more of Richardson than I would like as a spy, but no one should suggest he cover the TE Graham. Burnett will provide the Safety fill in the run. I hope Palmer and to a lesser extent CM3 fill the gaps more quickly. Shields and Hayward should be able to play out on islands. Daniels needs to show why he deserves $10 million a year. Raji should help. Jones replaces Raji in the 2-4-5.