Revenge is never an easy topic. But from last year when Jermaine Kearse made the catch seen above in overtime to send the Seattle Seahawks to the Super Bowl, it was about as devastating as it can get for a fan. That's because it went from a game that they dominated for 55 minutes and then completely folded and couldn't stop Russell Wilson, Marshawn Lynch, or Kearse for the final five minutes of the game. But things should be pretty different this time around, because it's a new year and they are new teams. Let's take a look at some of the major differences between last year and this year.
Jordy Nelson Will Be Missed
The Green Bay Packers star receiver, Jordy Nelson tore his ACL back in the preseason, but it's going to be difficult for the Packers without him, especially with the Legion of Boom out in the secondary for the Seahawks. In the two games the Packers had in Seattle last year, Nelson combined for 14 catches and 154 receiving yards. Against a top tier defense it is going to be tough to replace that with just anybody out there, but they have brought James Jones back into the fold to play opposite of now second year player Davante Adams while leaving Randall Cobb in the slot. Jones had two touchdowns last week against the Chicago Bears, and he is able to do that again, that would be a shock.
The Absence of Kam
Kam Chancellor is still holding out for a new contract from the Seahawks. That makes it difficult though as they ended up surrendering 34 points to the St. Louis Rams during week one. That was largely due to the fact that Tavon Austin was excellent during a punt return for a touchdown and they also had Austin rush out of the backfield for a touchdown as well. But Kam Chancellor's hard hitting plays from the safety position are surely missed.
Packers Injury Report
Bryan Bulaga: The right tackle for the Green Bay Packers sprained his MCL in practice on Thursday and is officially listed as out for Sunday's game against the Seahawks. This injury is expected to keep him out for multiple weeks.
Morgan Burnett: The safety for the Packers was out last week against the Bears, and continues to be limited in practice all week for the green and gold. With the extent of his calf injury, he is being listed as questionable for the game.
Randall Cobb: The slot receiver for the Packers continues to be excellent, but is also playing through pain. He is listed as probable again this week as he is dealing with his shoulder injury.
Jayrone Elliott: The outside linebacker was also listed as limited in practice all week with his quadricep injury. Depth at the pass rushing position in a 3-4 defense is very important. Elliott may not be a starter, but he has been quality enough to make the team and the Packers would love to have him on their 53 man roster for this game.
Seahawks Injury Report
Mike Morgan: The Seahawks outside linebacker is listed as out on this week's injury report with his hamstring injury. Don't expect to see him unless the camera's catch him on the sidelines on Sunday.
Tharold Simon: The defensive back was unable to practice on Wednesday and Thursday, but was limited in practice on Friday. It would be a surprise to see Simon on the field as he is questionable.
Bruce Irvin: He is also questionable with a rib injury. He was limited in practice Friday as well. It is unclear whether or not he will play on Sunday.
Garry Gilliam: The offensive tackle is listed as questionable after being limited in practice both Thursday and Friday. One thing for certain is Packers' fans won't mind if he doesn't play on Sunday, as he is most likely best remembered for catching the fake field goal touchdown pass in the third quarter of the NFC Championship Game.
Probables: Marshawn Lynch, Will Tukuafu, Bobby Wagner, Michael Bennett, and Demarcus Dobbs all were at least a full participant in practice at least once this week. Yours truly expects all of them to play in Sunday's contest.
Game Prediction
This is going to be a difficult matchup for both teams, as they are clearly some of the best teams in football and that's why it has been placed in primetime. Aaron Rodgers is always a dangerous threat with the ball in his hands, and there's at least a slight chance he could find more holes in the secondary with Kam missing the game due to his holdout. This writer sees Eddie Lacy getting a rushing touchdown, and Randall Cobb and Richard Rodgers both getting receiving touchdowns, with Mason Crosby kicking a few field goals. The Packers will still allow Lynch to get a touchdown and Jimmy Graham will likely score a receiving touchdown in this one too. Steven Hauschka will kick two field goals too. This brings us to a final score of Packers 30, Seahawks 20.