With the regular season just around the corner, the Seattle Seahawks will look to seal a 3-0 record in the preseason as they visit the Green Bay Packers on Saturday.
The Seahawks have flipped the script with a more productive August after going 1-5 in its last two preseasons — and that’s largely thanks to big contributions from Drew Lock and a pair of sharp defensive outings. A strong first half against the Dallas Cowboys last weekend paved the way for a 22-14 win.
Matt LaFleur and the Packers are unlikely to risk Jordan Love for many snaps here, just as Geno Smith’s minutes will surely be limited for the visitors. However, that should mean more opportunities for Green Bay backup Sam Clifford and dynamic running back Emmanuel Wilson as the hosts try to rebound from a 21-17 loss to the New England Patriots last time out.
Get the lowdown on this matchup with our free NFL picks and predictions for Seahawks vs. Packers on August 26.
Seahawks vs Packers odds
Seahawks vs Packers predictions
Trips to Lambeau Field haven’t given the Seattle Seahawks much joy over the years — they’re 3-13 in their last 16 visits — but I’m more optimistic about their chances on Saturday. The visitors have looked sharp on both sides of the ball in the preseason, and quarterback Drew Lock is making a case for being overqualified for a backup role.
It’s reasonable to think Pete Carroll will take a cautious approach with his starters here, but that just sets the stage for Lock. He guided Seattle to a 10-point first half lead against the Cowboys and he’s completed 22 of his 30 passes for 310 yards in the preseason.
While impressive rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba is out with a wrist injury, Lock has built good chemistry with undrafted rookie Jake Bobo. Expect Lock to get some series with tight ends Noah Fant and Will Dissly on Saturday as well.
I see the visitors keeping this one close, especially as the Green Bay Packers reserves struggled to move the ball against the Patriots last weekend. After some eye-catching plays in a 36-19 win over the Cincinnati Bengals in the preseason opener, QB Sean Clifford finished with a mediocre QB rating of 89.1 on 19 against New England.
The Seahawks enter the 2023 season as a dark horse Super Bowl contender with real depth, and I like their chances of covering this spread — while perhaps also wrapping up a perfect preseason record.
My best bet: Seahawks +3 (-107 at Pinnacle)
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