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3 Clear Advantages the Packers Have Over the Seahawks Heading Into Divisional Playoff Game

By Scott Rogust

The Packers have three clear advantages over the Seahawks in Divisional playoff game.
The Packers have three clear advantages over the Seahawks in Divisional playoff game. / Christian Petersen/Getty Images

The Green Bay Packers clinched a first-round by in the playoffs, but they aren't getting the respect they've earned under first-year head coach Matt LaFleur.

Green Bay will look to prove doubters wrong when they face the Seattle Seahawks at Lambeau Field this weekend. Many are giving the Seahawks the edge on Sunday, but the Packers actually have a clear advantage in certain areas.

Here are three that stick out.

3. Pass Protection

The Packers offensive line does something better than the Seahawks: protect the pocket.
The Packers offensive line does something better than the Seahawks: protect the pocket. / Leon Halip/Getty Images

It's a tale of two offensive lines. The Packers O-line allows quarterback Aaron Rodgers to stand upright, while the Seahawks have Russell Wilson running for his life away from defensive pressure. When looking at both, Green Bay has allowed 36 sacks on the season, compared to Seattle's 48. To make matters worse for the Seahawks, left tackle Duane Brown's status is uncertain for Sunday after he underwent minor knee surgery. Green Bay holds the edge in terms of "hog molly" talent.

2. Getting to the QB

Za'Darius and Preston Smith will give Russell Wilson fits on Sunday.
Za'Darius and Preston Smith will give Russell Wilson fits on Sunday. / Quinn Harris/Getty Images

For the first time in ages, the Packers spent money in free agency. During their spending spree, Green Bay took home Za'Darius Smith and Preston Smith, both of whom showed their propensity of getting to the quarterback this season. As a team, the Packers recorded 41 sacks this season compared to Seattle's 28. Given the Seahawks' struggles in pass protection, the Smiths will feast at Lambeau Field.

1. Running Game

The Packers have a dynamic duo at running back in Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams.
The Packers have a dynamic duo at running back in Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams. / Quinn Harris/Getty Images

When looking at regular season statistics, the Packers and Seahawks are neck and neck. But those numbers aren't important. Seattle lost Chris Carson, Rashaad Penny and CJ Prosise to injury, leaving Travis Homer as the starting running back. As for the Packers, they have a huge X-factor in Aaron Jones, who accumulated 1,558 yards and 19 touchdowns from scrimmage this season. Pair him with a passing down back in Jamaal Williams, and you've got yourself a dynamic duo. While Marshawn Lynch's presence is certainly impactful in a sense, Jones has been shredding defenses all season.