The Seattle Seahawks will face off with the Minnesota Vikings in one of four Wildcard weekend matchups over the weekend. The two teams previously met this season in Week 13, a matchup in which the Seahawks dominated on both sides of the ball in a 38-7 rout. Seattle was able to move the ball with ease, converting 70 percent of their third downs and scoring touchdowns on 75 percent of their red zone possessions. On defense the Seahawks held the Vikings just to 125 yards and no offensive points, the only touchdown came off a kick return for a touchdown by Cordarrelle Patterson. Sunday will be a bit of a different story, as both teams have gotten healthier, and the stakes are much higher.
The Seahawks are coming off a 36-6 victory against the Arizona Cardinals, finishing the year at 10-6, making that four years in a row with double digit victories. The Seahawks offense will continue to ride the shoulder of quarterback Russell Wilson, who cemented himself in Seahawks history this season, breaking the franchise record for both passing yards and touchdowns. Wilson certainly finished the season strong, throwing 24 touchdowns in his final seven games while only throwing just one interception. Wilson will be key to Seattle's success, as he has been carrying the load for Seattle the entire second half of the season.
With Marshawn Lynch once again absent, the Seahawks are expected to lean on third year back Christine Michael, who is coming off his first career 100 yard rushing game. It won't be a walk in the park for Seattle though, as this Vikings team will be much tougher than it was in Week 13 after getting key players healthy.
The Vikings lost to the Seahawks in Week 13 without safety Harrison Smith, linebacker Anthony Barr, defensive tackle Linval Joseph, and safety Andrew Sendejo. All four are expected to play Sunday, giving the Vikings the help it needs to present a much tougher challenge than they faced earlier in the season.
The Vikings biggest problem this season has been consistency on the offensive side of the ball, and that has a lot to do with All-Pro running back Adrian Peterson. When Peterson runs for under 115 yards the Vikings are 4-5, but they are undefeated this season when he runs for more than 115. If the Vikings hope to have success on the offensive side of the football, it is essential that Adrian Peterson has success, which will then allow Teddy Bridgewater to compliment the running game. If the Vikings are unable to get Peterson going, the result will more than likely be similar to the Week 13 contest where they were highly ineffective.
The Vikings will be facing a defense that will have all hands on deck, as all defensive players on Seattle's 53 man roster will be available to play, including safety Kam Chancellor who's been out since Week 14. A healthy Seahawks team is a scary image to just about every single team in the playoffs, and there is no doubt that the Vikings will have their hands full.
Injury Report
Minnesota will be without defensive tackle Kenrick Ellis (ankle) after he was ruled out on Friday. That seems to be the only player who's status is bleak. Wide receiver Adam Thielen (shoulder/lower back), running back Adrian Peterson (low back), defensive tackle Linval Joseph (foot), and defensive end Everson Griffen (shoulder) are all listed as probable.
Seattle has ruled tight end Luke Willson (concussion), and running back Marshawn Lynch (abdomen) out for Sunday's game, both are hopeful to return should Seattle have a game next week. Safety Kam Chancellor (pelvis), wide receiver Tyler Lockett (hip), defensive end Michael Bennett (toe), offensive tackle Russell Okung (calf), offensive guard J.R. Sweezy (concussion), corner back Jeremy Lane (oblique), and defensive tackle Jordan Hill (toe) are all listed as probable.
Prediction
Seattle 24, Minnesota 10
The Seahawks are simply a bad matchup for the Vikings, and the inexperience for the Vikings will play a big part into the matchup this weekend. The Seahawks are one of the top rushing teams in the league both offensively and defensively. Given how cold it will be in Minnesota on Sunday, the running game will be key for both teams and will be a key factor in the deciding of this game. Minnesota is 17th on defense against the rush, so Seattle will try to exploit that area with their committee of running backs. The Seahawks will handle the Vikings handily, setting them up for a matchup against the Carolina Panthers next Sunday.