Football is back, and the NFL couldn't have picked a better matchup to kick off the 2014 season than Thursday night's game between the Seattle Seahawks and Green Bay Packers.
Super Bowl contenders? Check. The Seahawks are the defending champs and return nearly their entire core from last season. The Packers were 5-2 last year before Aaron Rodgers broke his collarbone, and they feature their most balanced offense in years.
Great atmosphere? Check. CenturyLink Field, with its legendary "12th Man," is known as the loudest and most intimidating stadium in the league.
Revenge factor? Check. The last time these teams met was the infamous "Fail Mary" game in 2012, which ended on a controversial game-winning touchdown catch by Seahawks receiver Golden Tate as time expired.
How to watch
Where: CenturyLink Field, Seattle
When: 8:30 p.m. ET
TV: NBC
Announcers: Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth, Michele Tafoya
Radio: Packers Radio Network, Seahawks Radio Network
Online streaming: NBCSports.com
Nuts and bolts
What to look for
The Seahawks enter this game with a chip on their shoulder, trying to prove that last season was no fluke as they attempt to become the first team to repeat as Super Bowl champs in a decade. Last year's title run was fueled by a defense that led the league in nearly every category, but look for the offense to show more firepower this season with Russell Wilson in his third season under center.
The silver lining to Rodgers' injury last year was the emergence of running back Eddie Lacy, who rushed for nearly 1,200 yards en route to winning the Rookie of the Year award. With Lacy in the backfield and the dynamic duo of Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb at receiver, Rodgers might have his most talented set of offensive skill players since becoming a full-time starter in 2008.
This strength-vs-strength matchup of Seattle's dominant defense and Green Bay's high-powered offense is one you don't want to miss.
Further reading
For more on the Seahawks, check out Field Gulls. For more on the Packers, Acme Packing Company has you covered.