RENTON, Wash. – The Seattle Seahawks receiver is DK. Metcalf is perfectly fine not having the ball because that means he can show off his blocking skills.

“I just look at it as a sign of the respect I’ve gained from other defensive coordinators and continue to do my job as a blocker or decoy,” the two-time Pro Bowler said.

While opposing defenses focused on Metcalf, other aspects of the offense also emerged during Seattle’s four-game winning streak. The run leaves the Seahawks (8-5) atop the NFC West heading into Sunday night’s game against the visiting Green Bay Packers (9-4).

Geno Smith’s new top target is second-year receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who needs 89 receiving yards for his first career 1,000-yard season. Smith-Njigba has 75 catches for 911 yards and five touchdowns, while Metcalf, who often struggles in double coverage, has 54 catches for 812 yards and two scores.

Metcalf says he feels the pride of a “proud parent or a big brother” when it comes to Smith-Njigba’s success.

Seattle’s offense also got a boost from its ground game in last weekend’s 30-18 win over the Arizona Cardinals. Zach Charbonnet, filling in for the injured Kenneth Walker III, posted the best rushing performance of his career: 134 yards and two touchdowns.

The Seahawks face another hot team: the Packers (9-4), who have won seven of nine games. Green Bay’s two losses during that span came against NFC-best Detroit (12-1), including a 34-31 win by the Lions on Dec. 5, meaning the NFC North title is likely out of reach for the Packers Reach is.

The Packers are in a good position for a playoff spot, but that almost certainly won’t happen this weekend. They would need a win, loss or draw against the Atlanta Falcons and a tie between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers.

SEE ALSO: DK Metcalf enjoys fellow receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s rise like a ‘proud parent’

Metcalf, who learned blocking from his father, former Chicago Bears offensive lineman Terrence Metcalf, said he tries to take blocking seriously to set himself apart from other receivers. His priorities are simple when he gets caught in a double team and the ball goes somewhere else.

“I’m trying to fight off my (butt) and trying to get pancakes on defense,” he said.

Love heats you up

When the Packers advanced to the playoffs last season, quarterback Jordan Love was one of the main reasons why. He had 18 touchdown passes and one interception in Green Bay’s last eight games.

Through the final four games of this season, Love ranked third in the NFL with a 118.9 passer rating, six touchdowns, one interception and a league-best 10.3 yards per attempt.

“I always feel like I can get the ball where I want to go — and that includes having the confidence to be able to throw those passes,” Love said. “Like I said, it always happens that a handful of plays don’t come together or aren’t exactly where you wanted them to be or the throw is a little off. So here you just have to try to do your best in every game, to be as consistent and precise as possible.”

Gone chic

Green Bay’s pass defense has been picked apart over the past two weeks. First, it was set on fire by Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins with a Packers win. Next, it allowed Jared Goff to complete his final 13 passes, leading the Lions to victory.

This week it doesn’t get any easier. Smith is second in the NFL in attempts, completions and passing yards and fifth in completion percentage.

“It was a remarkable turnaround for him considering where he started,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said. “It’s not always about where you start, but where you end. And it tells me a lot about the person in terms of their resilience and their ability to fight some adversity. He’s a dangerous quarterback.”

The potential return of former All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander (knee) could help the Packers.

Fashion ahead

Will the Packers break out their all-white jerseys? The last time Green Bay wore the winter white look was in a 24-22 win over Houston in October. The Packers encouraged fans to speak out on social media.

The Seahawks will wear their “Action Green” jerseys. Metcalf is a fan.

“I would say this about the Action Green, personally I think I love them, but the big guys hate them. “I don’t know why, don’t ask me,” he said. “Hopefully the Packers will wear all white, so it will be a fun game.”