The Seahawks will host the Packers on Sunday night in a crucial matchup between two NFC playoff hopefuls, making the stakes high for this prime-time contest. The Seahawks (8-5) are on a four-game win streak and lead the NFC West, while the Packers (9-4) aim to bounce back after last Thursday’s loss to the Lions.

To help you prepare for this week’s game, we reached out to Packers.com senior writer Wes Hodkiewicz with five questions about their upcoming opponent:

What’s the mentality of the Packers and the team’s spirits after their second loss to the Lions? Green Bay is still in solid playoff contention but now faces a tough battle for the division title.

Hodkiewicz: The team remains confident, even though the NFC North is now out of their control. The Packers trail Detroit by three games and Minnesota by two, with only four games left. However, they still have a strong belief in their locker room, focusing on securing a playoff spot and preparing for the postseason.

Historically, the Packers perform their best late in the season under Matt LaFleur. After the loss in Detroit, LaFleur’s message was to adopt a playoff mentality, aiming to peak at the right time, much like they did last year.

Jordan Love hasn’t thrown an interception in his last three games after throwing one in each of his first eight. What has allowed Love to improve in this area, given he’s already having a strong second season?

Hodkiewicz: The biggest factor has been Love’s return to full health. He sprained his MCL in the season opener against Philadelphia and later tweaked his groin in Week 8 against Jacksonville. Since the Week 10 bye, Love has regained his ability to move more freely in the pocket, looking much more like himself.

Though he’s only in his second season as a starter, Love has proven to be a strong finisher, as seen last year when he played some of the NFL’s best football in the final six weeks. With a new long-term contract in hand, Love is in a great position to showcase his full potential.

Green Bay’s defense ranks among the leaders in takeaways, having forced 17 in the last six games. What’s been key to their success in creating turnovers?

Hodkiewicz: There are two main factors. First, new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley has implemented a vision-based defense, putting players in better positions to create turnovers. While Green Bay still plays plenty of zone coverage, Hafley mixes things up based on the offense’s look, and he’s been willing to blitz almost anyone on the field. Inside linebackers and slot cornerbacks have been heavily involved in pressure packages this season.

Quay Walker and Edgerrin Cooper (who’s missed three games with a hamstring injury) are particularly quick, with Cooper running in the low 4.5s. The second key factor is safety Xavier McKinney, who leads the league in interceptions with seven. He has been a game-changer, especially at safety, which was a weak point for the Packers last year. His ability to erase mistakes and improve the defense has been invaluable.

Outside of the obvious stars, who could be an X-factor in this game for Green Bay?

Hodkiewicz: Dontayvion Wicks. The second-year receiver has had some issues with drops earlier this season but had his best game of the year against Detroit. A fifth-round pick from Virginia last year, Wicks complements Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs (who’s currently in concussion protocol), and Jayden Reed.

Wicks has shown the ability to gain separation and block effectively. Getting him involved could be a big boost for the Packers’ offense in the final stretch. Another player to watch is second-year safety Zayne Anderson. If rookies Evan Williams (in concussion protocol) and Javon Bullard (ankle injury) are unable to play, Anderson could see more defensive snaps. He’s been a key special teams player but has only played sparingly on defense.

What matchup are you most excited to watch on Sunday?

Hodkiewicz: The Packers’ defensive front vs. Kenneth Walker III/Zach Charbonnet. Green Bay has made significant improvements against the run under Hafley, now ranking in the top 10 in both run defense (106.9 yards per game) and yards per carry (4.11).

Over the last three games, the Packers have allowed just 194 rushing yards and one touchdown on 64 carries (3.0 ypc). Even with these stats, it seems Seattle has found some success running the ball, especially after their rematch with Arizona. Containing Walker and Charbonnet will be key for the Packers to allow their defensive line to focus on pressuring quarterback Geno Smith on third downs.

Rashan Gary and Kenny Clark have been heating up, and if cornerback Jaire Alexander (who’s been sidelined with a knee injury) is able to play, it’ll be interesting to see if he matches up against D.K. Metcalf or Jaxon Smith-Njigba. If Alexander can’t go, then it’s up to Keisean Nixon, Carrington Valentine, and Eric Stokes to cover a dynamic receiving corps.