Two teams in desperate need to gain momentum in the NFC playoff picture will meet in this week's Thursday Night Football primetime matchup.
The Seattle Seahawks (4-5) will host the Green Bay Packers (4-4-1) at CenturyLink Field tonight in what will be a far cry from the 2014 NFC Championship Game between the two teams.
Green Bay enters Thursday's game third in the NFC North Division standings, trailing the Chicago Bears by two games for the division lead. Seattle is second in the NFC West, but trails the Los Angeles Rams by five games.
"The reality is both teams are at a point in the season, past the halfway point, where we both need wins to stay alive in this NFC playoff picture," Packers linebacker Clay Matthews told ESPN. "So it's a pivotal game in that regard. But especially playing on the road and playing in a difficult environment, it'll be a big one if we come up and get a win out there. Hopefully, we carry that forward after this past week."
Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson has captured several of his biggest career wins against the Packers, albeit in tough performances. Wilson threw for 209 yards, one touchdown and four interceptions during the 2014 NFC title game, but his only touchdown came on a game-winning pass to Jermaine Kearse in overtime.
"There's obviously been some great games, there's been some great moments. Definitely tough battles, just games that come down to the wire," Wilson said, adding: "Aaron's a great football player. Every time you play a great quarterback and play some great teams like the Packers -- they have so much history, they know how to do it -- every one of those moments you cherish and you look forward to those opportunities."
Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers looks to add to yet another masterful season, entering Thursday's game with 17 touchdowns and only one interception, despite playing through a knee injury.
"I think what makes Aaron so great is he's clutch." Wilson said on Tuesday. "I think that he obviously has great arm talent. He understands the game, he works at it. He knows how to make plays. There's only a few guys in the world, at every position, when you think about guys making plays in tough moments, like how did he do that -- he's one of those guys for sure. It's always fun watching him."
Here's the info you need to know for tonight's game.
Start time: 8:20 p.m. ET
TV channel: FOX and NFL Network
Live stream: fuboTV (free trial available)
Odds: Seahawks -3.0, 49.5 via Bovada
Prediction:
Green Bay- 24, Seattle- 20
The Packers need a big win on the road and should get one after another great performance by Rodgers. Green Bay wins on a late-game drive by the former MVP.
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