Monday, November 27, 2006

Green Bay Packers at Seattle Seahawks – Qwest Field (Artificial)

* There was a mixture of hail and snow at the beginning of the game.

If you don’t count the Arizona Cardinals—even though they almost upset the Vikes yesterday—the race for the NFC West title is as tight as it gets. The Seahawks are currently perched atop the division with a 6-4 record, while the St. Louis Rams and the San Francisco 49ers—no, it’s not a typo—are tied for second, 5-6 a side.

Fate seemed to be cursing the ‘Hawks in the same way it has cursed so many other Superbowl runners up. QB Matt Hasselbeck went down and so did league MVP Shaun Alexander. Well both are back in the Seattle lineup just in time for the stretch drive. But before Seattle backers start celebrating, C and valued veteran Robbie Tobeck could very well miss the game (see Key Injuries).

Green Bay is having injury problems of their own, as their top two QBs, Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers, are hurting (see Key Injuries) and the team only has a faint hope of making the playoffs.

Line: Seahawks -10½ (Opening: Seahawks -9½)

Over/Under: 42 (Opening: 47)

Records: Green Bay 4-6 (4-6 ATS), Seattle 6-4 (3-7 ATS)

Game Time: 8:30 pm EST

Key Injuries: Green Bay QB and icon Brett Favre suffered a pretty significant injury to his elbow against the Patriots last week and if that wasn’t enough, QB of the future Aaron Rodgers was lost for the season with a foot injury.

Warrior that he is, Favre practiced all week with the first team and was updated to probable, meaning he should be lining up behind center on Monday night.

Still, Favre was feeling numbness in some of his fingers and despite his toughness; you have to wonder how much zip his passes will have.

The Pack are thin at the QB position as, backup Todd Bouman and rookie third stringer Ingle Martin are unproven.

LB Nick Barnett (hand) will miss the game alongside Rodgers and other injuries of note include RB Vernand Morency (questionable, back), CB Will Blackmon (doubtful, ribs), CB Charles Woodson (questionable, shoulder) and TE David Martin (questionable, ribs).

RB Ahman Green is probable despite a knee injury.

Just when the Seahawks were welcoming QB Matt Hasselbeck back (Alexander returned last week), word came down that C Robbie Tobeck was doubtful with a hip injury. That could mean trouble for Hasselbeck, as he hasn’t played since Week 7 and will be trying to shake off the rust. Alexander is also trying to work off rust as he only rushed for 37 yards last week.

On top of that WR Booby Engram hasn’t received clearance to return from a thyroid condition and DT Rocky Bernard’s status is up in the air (foot), as he didn’t practice this week, but is listed as questionable.

Monday Night Numbers and Trends
* courtesy of everyedge.com

-Green Bay is 6-2 ATS as a visitor on Monday night.

-The Packers are 1-7 ATS after allowing 35 points or more.

-The Packers are 12-6 ATS on Monday night.

-Seattle is 2-9 ATS in their last 11 games.

-The Seahawks are 0-4 ATS after a matchup with the 49ers.

-The SU winner is 19-0-1 ATS in Seahawks games on Monday night.

-Seattle is 10-4-1 ATS at home on Monday night.

WinnerOnline Opinion: Green Bay thrives on Monday nights, but was humiliated by the Eagles 31-9 earlier this year and Brett Favre, though one of the greats, has dulled somewhat in the past few years. Nevertheless, this is Matt Hasselbeck's first game back and he won't be polished either. Seattle will win, but not by 10½. Take Green Bay.

With a banged up Favre, a rusty Hasselbeck and precipitation, consider the under as well.