Monday Night Football: Packers at Seahawks

Green Bay Packers at Seattle Seahawks (3, 44.5)

After splitting their first two games at Lambeau Field, Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers will take their high-octane offense to the Pacific Northwest for a Monday night date with the Seattle Seahawks. Rodgers wasn't even the star of the show in the Packers' last game on Sept. 13 as the defense flustered Jay Cutler and the NFC North rival Chicago Bears in a 23-10 triumph. Seattle's defense wasn't too shabby in its own right last week, keeping Tony Romo and Dallas under wraps en route to a 27-7 victory.

As for Rodgers, the Packers quarterback is used to being the target of opposing defenses. This past week, however, the league's reigning MVP was on the receiving end of a jab from Green Bay tight end Jermichael Finley's agent, who used his Twitter account to take aim at Rodgers' leadership abilities. Seattle running back Marshawn Lynch has certainly stepped up as the leader for his team, amassing 207 yards and a touchdown while dealing with the lingering effects of a balky back.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN. 

LINE: Packers -3, O/U 44.5.

WEATHER: Forecasts are calling for temperatures in the low-70s with a 20 percent chance of showers. Wind shouldn’t be a factor.

ABOUT THE PACKERS (1-1): Greg Jennings sat out last week's game versus Chicago with a groin injury, but returned to practice earlier this week. The talented wideout, however, was held out of practice on Thursday following a setback in his recovery and is uncertain in his return for Monday game. Running back Cedric Benson responded to criticism following a paltry season-opening performance to rush for 81 yards in Week 2. The backfield, however, will likely be crowded with the return of last season's leading rusher James Starks, who has been plagued by a nagging turf toe injury.

ABOUT THE SEAHAWKS (1-1): While coach Pete Carroll would be well served to utilize Lynch and keep Rodgers and company off the field, rookie quarterback Russell Wilson will still need to come up timely plays. The former Wisconsin star, who beat out ex-Packers backup Matt Flynn for the starting job, will need to cast a wary eye on NFL sacks leader Clay Matthews (six sacks). Seattle has enough trouble throwing the ball as it is, averaging a league-low 136 passing yards this season.

TRENDS:
* Packers are 3-0-2 ATS in their last five meetings.
* Over is 3-0-1 in the last four meetings.
* Seahawks are 4-0-1 ATS in their last five Monday games.
* Packers are 1-5 ATS in their last six games following an ATS win.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. The Packers haven't fared well on Monday nights since Rodgers took the helm of the club. Green Bay is 0-4 when playing away from Lambeau Field.

2. Seahawks WR Sidney Rice suffered an apparent head injury during the third quarter against Dallas. Rice returned to the contest and was not listed on the 
team's injury report this week.

3. Green Bay has won the last three meetings versus Seattle and six of seven dating to 2003. The clubs have split their four games in the Pacific Northwest.