These two NFC powerhouses hit their stride in mid-season, thanks to a change in strategy for each side.  The Packers found their running back in Ryan Grant, upgrading them from a contender to one of the top teams in the NFC, if not the NFL.  The Seahawks went the opposite way, deciding to focus on their passing game.  Matt Hasselbeck saw his attempts go from the 30s to the 40s each game, and the Seahawks offense has been dominant ever since.

Green Bay is winning 71 percent of AccuScore simulations, with Brett Favre leading the way, throwing for 241 yards and two or more touchdowns in 60 percent of simulations.  Ryan Grant will play a key role to the Packers winning this game.  AccuScore projects 20 carries for 112 yards and a touchdown.  The Packers are 4-0 this season when Grant gets 20 or more carries, and 4-0 when Grant goes over 100 yards.  Seattle will need help from standout linebacker Lofa Tatupu in order to shut Grant down.

The big game from DJ Hackett last week shouldn’t be a surprise.  In his five games since week nine, Hackett has caught 31 passes for 377 yards and three touchdowns.  The Seahawks have averaged 29.8 points per game with him in the lineup, as opposed to 22.1 points without him.  AccuScore projects 46 yards and a touchdown in 30 percent of simulations for Hackett.

The key for Seattle will be controlling the game with the run and keeping Brett Favre off the field.  The Seahawks are 5-0 this season when Shaun Alexander and Maurice Morris combine for 25 or more carries.  The Packers need AJ Hawk and Nick Barnett to step up and shut down the run game, putting the game in the hands of Hasselbeck.  While Matt Hasselbeck and the Seahawks have a solid passing game, they will need to succeed in all areas of the offense if they want to stand a chance against the Packers.

Key Match-ups:

-Brett Favre vs Seattle secondary
-AJ Hawk and Nick Barnett vs Shaun Alexander and Maurice Morris
-Lofa Tatupu vs Ryan Grant