Folks, strap in, because we’re headin’ to Lambeau Field for a Saturday afternoon showdown that’s gonna light up Green Bay like a Wisconsin tailgate! It’s the Seattle Seahawks takin’ on the Green Bay Packers, August 23, 2025, kickin’ off at 4:00 p.m. ET (3:00 p.m. CT) on NFL Network. The Seahawks are rollin’ in at 1-0-1, fresh off a tie with the Raiders and a win over Kansas City, while the Packers are 1-1, lookin’ to build on a win over the Colts after droppin’ one to the Jets. This ain’t about the superstars – Geno Smith, Jordan Love, and the big names are likely watchin’ from the sidelines – it’s about those roster hopefuls, the bubble guys, fightin’ like it’s fourth-and-goal for a spot on that 53-man roster. Boom! That’s the heart of this preseason finale – raw hustle, big plays, and a few surprises that could echo into Week 1. Let’s break it down like we’re callin’ it from the booth, with that Troy Aikman precision and John Madden passion.
Seahawks’ Side: Seattle’s Depth Lookin’ to Soar
The Seahawks are bringin’ that Pacific Northwest grit to Green Bay, lookin’ to cap a strong preseason under new head coach Mike Macdonald. They started with a 16-16 tie against the Raiders in Week 1, where the defense held firm, and followed with a 27-16 win over Kansas City, with backup QB Drew Lock goin’ 11-for-15 for 159 yards and a TD. With Sam Darnold and most starters restin’, it’s Lock, rookie Jalen Milroe, and maybe P.J. Walker slingin’ it, battlin’ for the backup job. Macdonald’s confirmed Milroe will start and play the entire game, givin’ the Alabama product a big stage to prove himself.
What’s got me fired up is the receiver and secondary battles. Fourth-year WR Dareke Young’s been a camp standout, haulin’ in a 33-yard grab against K.C., and he’s fightin’ for a depth spot behind DK Metcalf. Rookie CB Nick Emmanwori, a second-rounder, has been a playmaker in the secondary, and a big interception could lock in his role. The Seahawks’ defense has been stout, allowin’ just 32 points across two games, with Leonard Williams rackin’ up 10 sacks in 2024. No major injuries reported, but RB Kenneth Walker III’s minor tweak means more carries for Jordan Mims. Special teams could be huge – Jason Myers is automatic, but rookie returner Dee Williams needs a spark after a quiet preseason. After a strong joint practice with the Packers on Thursday, Seattle’s got momentum but faces a tough road test in Lambeau’s historic atmosphere.
Packers’ Side: Green Bay’s Youth Movement
The Packers are lookin’ to harness that Lambeau magic under Matt LaFleur, aimin’ to end the preseason on a high note. They dropped a 23-10 game to the Jets in Week 1, where the offense struggled, but bounced back with a 21-13 win over the Colts, with rookie RB Nate McCrary rushin’ for 49 yards and a score. With Love nursin’ a thumb injury and likely restin’, it’s Sean Clifford, Malik Willis, and maybe rookie Michael Pratt under center, fightin’ for the QB2 spot. Clifford’s 10-for-18 for 115 yards last week showed promise, but Willis’ mobility could give him an edge.
The battles to watch are at running back and linebacker. McCrary’s pushin’ for a roster spot behind Josh Jacobs, while rookie Ellis Merriweather’s physicality has coaches talkin’. At linebacker, rookie Ty’Ron Hopper led with six tackles against Indy, and he’s scrappin’ with Isaiah McDuffie for depth roles. The Packers’ defense has been solid, with Carrington Valentine breakin’ up passes and rookie S Evan Williams showin’ range. Injuries to Christian Watson (knee, questionable) and Jayden Reed (foot, doubtful) mean more reps for guys like Malik Heath. Special teams is key – Anders Carlson’s 57-yard field goal in 2023’s preseason finale was clutch, and a big play from Keisean Nixon could swing it. With the Lambeau crowd bringin’ energy, the Packers are hungry to hit 2-1 before their Week 1 trip to Philly.
Key Matchups and Game-Changing Factors
Boom! This game’s gonna be a war of depth. The Seahawks’ defensive front, led by Williams, against Green Bay’s backup O-line is huge – if Seattle gets pressure, it could force turnovers from Clifford or Willis. On the flip side, the Packers’ secondary versus Seattle’s receivers – Emmanwori and Devon Witherspoon need to contain Young’s deep threat. The run game could decide it; if McCrary or Mims break loose, they’ll control the clock and limit the other side’s chances.
Weather in Green Bay should be mild, mid-70s with a chance of light rain, which could make the ball slick late. The Lambeau crowd will bring playoff-level noise, even in preseason, which could rattle Seattle’s backups. With cutdown day loomin’ on August 26, every snap’s a job interview – expect high effort but maybe some penalties from overeager rookies. A historical note: the Packers beat the Seahawks 19-15 in their 2023 preseason finale, with a late Benny Sapp III interception sealin’ it, so Seattle’s got a score to settle. Thursday’s joint practice saw Seattle’s secondary hold its own, but Green Bay’s run game looked sharp, which could carry over.
Final Prediction
Alright, straight from the gut: The Packers’ home-field juice and defensive depth give ‘em the edge, but Seattle’s grit keeps it close. I’m callin’ Green Bay to pull out a 20-17 win, coverin’ the spread with a late Carlson field goal.
3 Best Bets
- Packers Moneyline (-130): Green Bay’s 1-1 with a strong home-field edge and history of clutch preseason wins. They’re the safer bet at Lambeau.
- Under 37.5 Total Points (-110): Both teams lean on backups, and Seattle’s defense is stingy. Expect a low-scorin’ grind with conservative play-callin’.
- Packers -2.5 (-110): Green Bay’s depth and Lambeau energy lead to a field-goal win, coverin’ the spread against Seattle’s reserves.
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