Another NFL season kicks off and, like clockwork, it's another game between the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks.  This marks the fourth season in a row that the teams have met in the regular season and the fifth time in the last six years.  With such a recent history in this series, let's take a look at what has been, what is and what could become of this game and rivalry.

The Past

I've heard the word rivalry used to describe what the Packers and Seahawks currently have.  There are so many definitions of "rivalry" that if you ask 10 different fans, you'll likely get 10 unique answers.  If that definition is "several meaningful games over a recent span of time", this game is the next installment of said rivalry.

These teams have only met 20 total times, dating back to 1976.  Green Bay leads the series with a 12-8 record, including three playoff games.  The Packers have won the last two meetings which took place in 2015 and 2016.  Both were at Lambeau Field with the last being a 38-10 rout late last season.  It was Seattle's first loss by more than 10 points since 2011 which means it was also quarterback Russell Wilson's worst loss in a Seahawks uniform.

Wilson fell out of favor with many Packers fans, who had previously lauded the former Wisconsin Badger, with his comments following the 2014 NFC championship game that alluded to God wanting his team to win.  That statement was not lost on Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who returned the favor after his team's week two win over Seattle in 2015, stating that it seemed that God wanted the other team to prevail that time.

The Packers nearly avenged a loss in the 2014 opener and solved CenturyLink Field, a venue that has become one of the toughest in the league for road teams.  Never mind what would have also come after closing out that game.  Although the Packers haven't returned to the scene of the crime, the last two wins over this nemesis were no less satisfying.

The current state of this series began on a fateful Monday night in 2012 in Seattle.  Wilson was in just his third game as a pro after beating out former Packers quarterback Matt Flynn for the starting job.  Replacement officials were on the field, as the regulars were on strike.  Seattle's defense sacked Rodgers what seemed like a million times in the first half alone and kept their team in the game as the offense put putted along.  

The Packers led with time for one more offensive heave-ho from Wilson.  The ball came down in the end zone and fell into the hands of Packers safety M.D. Jennings, which by any interpretation of the rules, was an interception.  Game over.  The play was ruled a touchdown by the official, who will get no naming credit from this writer.  Seattle receiver Golden Tate had an arm in the melee for the ball and the official essentially ruled "tie goes to the offense".  Game truly over, Packers deal with it. 

The 2012 season went on its way and both the Packers and Seahawks were eliminated from the postseason.  How and by who might have changed had the right call been made.  

But on we move.

The Present

Both rosters have changed quite a bit since the last meeting in December. 

Running back Eddie Lacy switched jerseys and returns to Lambeau Field looking to silence his former fans and critics who chided him over his weight issues.  Lacy is a far cry from prime Marshawn Lynch, but represents a return to the bruising run style that Seattle has favored in the past.  Much as the Packers did, the Seahawks will try to build a lead and use Lacy to wear down the defense and close it out late.

Seattle added stud defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson via trade this past week, giving their front a huge boost (pun intended).  The only way this scenario favors the Packers is Richardson's lack of familiarity with Seattle's scheme and chemistry with his teammates.  Rest assured, the big guy will see the field plenty in this game.  A player of his caliber can still make bad things happen for his opponent regardless of the scenario.

The Packers have done a complete 180 on their approach to talent acquisition this year and brought in seven free agents who have spent time on other NFL rosters.  That's the most during General Manager Ted Thompson's 13 seasons with the team.  Over the past two seasons, a lack of depth and experience has spelled demise for Green Bay in the postseason and this effort seems to show that they're looking to get over the hump.

That means an appearance at Super Bowl LII in Minneapolis in February (Vikings fans everywhere are still cringing at the thought).  The Seahawks, five years later, are still one of the barometers for teams contending in the NFC as are the Packers.  In most preseason rankings lists, these two teams are right next to each other in the top three.  To get this match up right out of the gate is a treat for all football fans.

The Future

While it's only the first game of the season and there is ample time to make up for a loss, this is already a critical game on Green Bay's schedule.  A head-to-head win gives an immediate tie-breaker for seeding in the postseason.  It could prove to be the difference between hosting the NFC championship game at Lambeau Field (something Rodgers has agonized over never having done) or re-visiting "the Link".

Rodgers and Co have only lost one season opener at home and have had some tough games in the past.  The Lambeau crowd will be anxious for football and hasn't forgotten past misdeeds involving the Seattle and their gum-chomping, hand-clapping Head Coach Pete Carroll.  There will be noise but hey, the Seahawks should be used to that, right?

Seattle boasts one of the best defenses in the league, on paper.  The Packers have one of the best offenses, period (Yes, Aaron Rodgers makes that last statement true).  So which one gives first?  Assuming neither side experiences a big injury that impacts the outcome, I'm leaning towards Seattle blinking first.

On offense, the Packers are extremely dynamic.  The Seahawks now have a very potent front and the best secondary in the league.  Safety Earl Thomas is back (he missed the December game last year) and despite being another year older, Richard Sherman and Kam Chancellor are both still among the best at their position.  That said, Rodgers & Co rarely disappoint at home.  Seattle will spend more time dealing with 12 instead of having a 12(th) like they do at home.

Week one always features some odd games and results as teams knock off any final rust and start determining who they are.  I can't say I'd be surprised at any result in this game, including a lopsided Seahawks win.  I can say that I'll be extremely disappointed if the Packers don't win.  This one should be more entertaining than the last game and the good guys emerge 1-0 and ready to take on their next-biggest challenger on the road to Minneapolis.