Preview and picks season are back. Every Friday, we will have the previews of the Packers and Badgers games for that week barring any weird starts, and in that case, the preview would be the day before or day of. We’ll do the picks that follow, although, I’m thinking about moving one to Thursday because I get up early on Fridays. Enjoy the first one of the year, and we’ll hopefully be doing this preview thing until February.

Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks are not the biggest fans of each other. The two teams have a storied history through the last five or six years that includes an incredible comeback by Seattle that netted them a Super Bowl trophy. Aaron Rodgers struggled against this team until last few times these two have met in Lambeau Field where Rodgers has look very good. Russell Wilson has not, and he continues to struggle against the Packers. This game will have major playoff implications at the end of the year, so, this is a hell of a way to kick off Week 1.

TIME: 3:25 pm
CHANNEL: FOX
SPREAD: -3.5

Packers offensive line versus their front seven
One of the things that I feel people made too much of a deal about was the offensive line. A classic case of people looking at the second and third string whilst not paying attention to the guys that matter. Bryan Bulaga should be ready for Week 1, and if that’s the case, they have their entire starting five. Sheldon Richardson is going to make things painful inside, and Michael Bennett should be a factor off the edge. The Seahawks front seven could be very scary again.

New-look defense facing a strong Seattle offense
Not going to lie, the New England game gave me a little pause about all of the Packers new pieces. I worried it might take this defense a little time to gel together before they hit their stride. Capers has a good job on Wilson, and you can expect a turnover or two from the former Super Bowl champion. Seattle’s inability to the run the football will be the difference in this game.

Eddie Lacy’s return
I did see the news touch on it a little bit last night, but I feel like no one is really that amped up about Eddie Lacy coming back to Lambeau. I feel a part of that is due to him having a terrible preseason where he isn’t the starter. It’s currently Thomas Rawls with the rookie Chris Carson being a factor as well. I could see Seattle using him as a LaGarette Blount-type around the goal line, but that’s it. I do not think radio callers will bitch about Lacy’s success if Seattle wins on Sunday.

What will be the snap count of the Packers’ receivers and running backs?
This is the most fascinating part of Sunday in my opinion. Who gets the majority of snaps around the receiving core and backfield. My guess is you’ll see of a lot Randall Cobb who has tormented Seattle in the past. Davante Adams will also get some run, so I expect more 3 WR sets than 2 TEs. I wouldn’t be surprised if Green Bay’s goal line package features Martellus Bennett, Lance Kendricks and Richard Rodgers. Mike McCarthy should have a field day with all the options.

Prediction
I like the Packers in this one, 28-17. My thoughts are this defense has some new pieces, but I feel those pieces will play a large part in shutting down Seattle. I also like Rodgers to have a sizable game against this defense. I know people think the Seahawks are back, and they could be yet it will take a few weeks to see it.

Charlie.