Two of the most impressive teams in the NFL in Week 2 were Green Bay and Seattle and they meet in the Pacific Northwest on Monday night in what could easily be a playoff preview.
Green Bay will be much better-rested and likely prepared as it beat the Bears 23-10 last Thursday. Aaron Rogers threw for 219 yards and a score and punter Tim Masthay added a 27-yard touchdown pass. Rogers completed 23-of-32 passes with an interception and a 26-yard, fourth- quarter touchdown pass to Donald Driver. Cedric Benson rushed for 81 yards on 20 carries in the win and Masthay hit Tom Crabtree with a shovel pass to successfully convert a fake field goal attempt in the second quarter.
The Packers played without No. 1 receiver Greg Jennings, but he should be ready to go on MNF even though he was limited in practice this week. He had five receptions for 34 yards in the season-opening loss to San Francisco and usually draws the top cornerback on defense, so his presence alone may create opportunities elsewhere on offense.
Seattle’s defense dominated Dallas 27-7. Marshawn Lynch carried the ball 26 times for 122 yards, with 100 coming in the second half, and a touchdown, and rookie QB Russell Wilson was efficient and completed 15-of-20 passes for 151 yards and a score for the Seahawks. That defense held Dallas to just 296 total yards and the running game to 49. Seattle ranks No. 2 in the NFL against the rush.
Seattle left tackle Russell Okung missed Sunday’s game but should be able to return from a bruised left knee Monday to try to help protect against Clay Matthews and company. Matthews has a league-leading six sacks.
Since 2009, the Packers are 9-3 overall (.750) in prime-time games. It will be the third-ever MNF meeting between the two clubs, with the previous games coming in 1999 at Green Bay and in 2006 at Seattle. The Packers have won six of the last seven meetings between the teams, including two victories by Green Bay in the playoffs. Green Bay holds a 10-5 advantage in the all-time series, which includes a 2-0 mark in the postseason against Seattle. The teams haven’t met since a 48-10 Green Bay win in 2009.
Green Bay has won its first road game of the season each year under coach Mike McCarthy, a six-game winning streak in road openers that is the longest current streak in the NFL.
WAGERWEB.COM ODDS: Packers -3 (46.5)
PACKERS NOTES: QB Aaron Rodgers is 2-0 vs. Sea., completing 33 of 53 (62.3 pct.) for 445 yards with 3 TDs vs. 0 INTs for 107.8 rating. Incl. playoffs, Packers have won past 18 starts when Rodgers has 100+ rating … RB Cedric Benson rushed 11 times for 89 yards (8.1 avg.) & TD (43 yards) in last game vs. Sea. (11/18/07 with Chi.) … In career, WR Jordy Nelson has 21 rec. TDs & avg. 32.1 yards per TD. WR Greg Jennings has 15 catches for 266 yards (88.7 per game) & 3 TDs in past 3 meetings (incl. playoffs). Aims for 3rd MNF game in row with TD. WR-PR-KR Randall Cobb is only player in NFL with 90+ rec. (97), 90+ PR (96), 90+ KR (94) & 25+ rush (28) yards. TE Jermichael Finley has 25 catches for 389 yards (97.3 per game) & 3 TDs in past 4 on MNF … CB Tramon Williams had 2 INTs last week. Since 2010 (incl. playoffs), leads NFL with 15 INTs. Since joining GB in 2006, DB Charles Woodson has 38 INTs (2nd in NFL) & 9 INT-TDs (1st in NFL). LB Clay Matthews aims for 3rd in row with 2.5+ sacks.
SEAHAWKS NOTES: Rookie QB Russell Wilson recorded 112.7 rating last week & 1st career win … RB Marshawn Lynch aims for 7th in row at home with 100+ rush yards. In past 6 at home, has rushed for 712 yards (118.7 per game) & 6 TDs. Since Nov. 2011, Lynch leads NFL with 1,148 rush yards. RB-PR-KR Leon Washington is 2nd in NFL with 38.3 KR avg. & ranks 2nd in NFC with 14.5 PR avg …. WR Sidney Rice has rec. TD in 4 of 6 vs. GB. TE Anthony McCoy had 1st career TD catch (22 yards) last week. WR Braylon Edwards had 1st career TD (career-long 80 yards) vs. GB (9/18/05 with Cle.) … LB Malcolm Smith blocked punt last week & S Jeron Johnson returned it for TD. DE Chris Clemons has 12 sacks in past 17. Aims for 3rd MNF game in row with sack. CB Richard Sherman has INT in 3 of past 5.
WAGERWEB.COM TRENDS: Packers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS win. Seahawks are 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 Monday games. Seahawks are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games in Week 3. Seahawks are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 home games. Over is 7-1 in Packers last 8 games following a ATS win. Over is 5-1 in Packers last 6 games following a S.U. win. Over is 6-2 in Seahawks last 8 Monday games. Over is 6-2 in Seahawks last 8 home games.
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