Seahawks Look to Maintain Playoff Position Against Struggling Vikings

As the Seattle Seahawks gear up to face the Minnesota Vikings, they are focused on maintaining their strong playoff position with an 8-3 record. The Seahawks are coming off a hard-fought victory against the Tennessee Titans, winning 30-24, while the Vikings are struggling at 4-7 after a 23-6 loss to Green Bay. This matchup has significant implications, as the Seahawks look to capitalize on the Vikings' recent struggles and secure a crucial win at home. Seattle is favored by 11.5 points, marking a rare occasion where they have been favored by such a margin, with a historical record of 27-1 when favored by 11.5 points or more, according to Pro Football Reference.

The key storyline revolves around quarterback Sam Darnold, who is facing the team that let him go in the offseason. Darnold aims to prove his former team made a mistake as he prepares for what could be a pivotal game for both his career and the Seahawks' playoff hopes. Interestingly, the Vikings will be without their starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who is sidelined due to a concussion, forcing them to start undrafted rookie Max Brosmer. Brosmer's inexperience poses a significant challenge, particularly against one of the NFL's top defenses. The Seahawks' defensive line, led by Byron Murphy II and Leonard Williams, is expected to pressure Brosmer heavily, especially since the Vikings are already dealing with injuries on their offensive line, including the absence of left guard Donovan Jackson.

In terms of injuries, the Seahawks have a question mark surrounding safety Ty Okada, who is listed as questionable after suffering an oblique injury. If Okada cannot play, D’Amato Bell is likely to start, although veteran Quandre Diggs has been elevated from the practice squad as depth. The Seahawks' secondary is expected to be tested against the Vikings' star receiver Justin Jefferson, who currently ranks ninth in the NFL in receiving yards.

Another critical matchup will be Seattle's running back Kenneth Walker III, who is looking to establish himself after increasing his snap count against the Titans. Walker averaged 6.5 yards per carry last week, and the Seahawks will look to him to exploit the Vikings' defense, which allows an average of 4.0 yards per rush. The Vikings' defense, led by coordinator Brian Flores, tends to bring aggressive pressure, but this could backfire against Seattle's potent receivers, especially Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who is leading the league in receiving yards.

With both teams struggling with turnovers—Seattle ranks 28th in the league at minus-seven and Minnesota is last at minus-12—the ability to protect the football will be a decisive factor in the game. The Seahawks hope to capitalize on the Vikings' mistakes while maintaining their own composure to secure a significant victory that will bolster their playoff chances. Predictions from various analysts lean heavily towards a Seahawks win, with scores ranging from 27-13 to 30-13, reflecting the general sentiment that Minnesota is unlikely to keep the game close given their current form and roster challenges.