In a critical Week 15 NFL matchup on December 15, 2024, the Green Bay Packers secured a dominant 30–13 win over the Seattle Seahawks. The game not only pushed Green Bay closer to a playoff spot but also left Seattle reeling after quarterback Geno Smith exited in the third quarter due to a knee injury.
The Packers came out strong, scoring on all four of their first-half drives. Quarterback Jordan Love showcased impressive efficiency and accuracy, throwing two touchdown passes to wide receiver Romeo Doubs and totaling 229 passing yards on the night. Running back Josh Jacobs contributed significantly to Green Bay’s offense with 94 rushing yards and a touchdown, helping the team maintain control throughout the game.
Green Bay’s defense was just as dominant, applying relentless pressure on the Seahawks. They held Seattle to only 208 total yards and forced two turnovers. The pass rush was particularly effective, recording seven sacks and delivering 12 quarterback hits, making it a long night for the Seahawks’ offensive line and quarterbacks.
Seattle had difficulty getting anything going offensively. Geno Smith completed 15 of 19 passes for 149 yards before leaving the game in the third quarter after taking a low hit from Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper. Smith was visibly limping as he went to the locker room and did not return. Backup quarterback Sam Howell came in, but his performance fell short. He completed just five of 14 passes for 24 yards and threw an interception, failing to ignite any momentum for the Seahawks.
The offensive line’s struggles were evident throughout the game, allowing constant pressure that disrupted the passing game and hindered the run. The team’s inability to protect the quarterback or establish consistent drives cost them dearly.
After taking a hit to the lower leg area, Geno Smith immediately showed signs of discomfort. He was evaluated in the medical tent before walking off the field under his own power, albeit with a noticeable limp. Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald later reported that the initial assessment showed no structural damage to Smith’s knee, but emphasized that more tests were needed to determine the full extent of the injury.
The Seahawks are hoping for a quick recovery, as Smith has been a stabilizing force for the offense this season. Losing him during the crucial final stretch of the regular season could deal a severe blow to their playoff hope.
This loss dropped Seattle’s record to 8–6, tying them with the Los Angeles Rams atop the NFC West. The defeat also significantly impacted their playoff chances, dropping them to 37% according to recent projections. With only a few games remaining, the Seahawks may find themselves relying on rarely used tiebreakers, such as “strength of victory,” to secure a postseason berth.
The upcoming game against the Minnesota Vikings is now even more important. With playoff positioning on the line and uncertainty around Geno Smith’s health, Seattle must find a way to bounce back quickly.
Green Bay’s strong showing on both sides of the ball proved too much for a banged-up Seattle team. Jordan Love continued his promising development, while the defense put on one of its best performances of the season. For the Seahawks, the focus now shifts to recovery and survival. With Geno Smith’s injury casting a shadow over the final weeks, their playoff journey has become significantly more complicated. Whether backup Sam Howell or a hopefully recovering Smith can lead them forward remains to be seen, but the road ahead is certainly more difficult after this loss.
