It doesn’t get any easier for the Seahawks as they face an even tougher opponent than the Packers team that handed them a whipping last Sunday night. The 12-2 Vikings are rolling into Seattle as they chase the No. 1 seed in the NFC, while the Hawks try to keep their playoff hopes alive in the NFC West. The odds are live right now!
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings are not only vying for the NFC North title, but they are also playing for a chance to earn the top seed in the conference. At 12-2, not many expected Minnesota to be in this position, especially with Sam Darnold as the starter. He’s delivered with a career-best 3,530 yards and 29 touchdowns. Aaron Jones is nearing his fourth 1,000-yard rushing season, and Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison have combined for over 2,000 yards and 15 touchdowns. The defense is allowing just 16 points per game (PPG) during the Vikings' current 7-game winning streak. They’ve held opponents to under 20 points in eight games this season.
Seattle Seahawks
Geno Smith is expected to play after suffering a knee injury last Sunday night. Unfortunately, he’s struggled to get protection, as he was sacked 7 times by the Packers. Seattle could get a boost if Kenneth Walker returns, but Zach Charbonnet has filled in effectively in his absence, rushing for 454 yards and another 275 yards through the air. WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba has become the go-to target in Seattle, as he nears 1,000 yards and had 10 receptions vs. Green Bay. He’s had 7 straight games with at least 69 yards.
Prediction: Under 42.5
The Seahawks continue to struggle at home, with a 3-5 record at Lumen Field. They’ve beaten weak teams but haven’t been able to compete against stronger squads this season. The Vikings' defense has been solid under Brian Flores, so points may be tough to come by for Seattle. The weather could also be an issue, as rain is in the forecast, and when you combine that with Seattle trying to establish the run, this game should be lower scoring.
Vikings 24, Seahawks 16.
Player Prop Best Bets
Justin Jefferson: OVER Receptions
The Vikings' receiving core is clearly its biggest strength, and Justin Jefferson continues to be one of the best receivers in the NFL. He has 1,243 yards and 8 touchdowns and should find openings against the Seahawks' secondary. Jefferson has had ten games with at least 6 receptions and has 7 catches in each of the last three games.
Zach Charbonnet: OVER Rushing Attempts
Even if Kenneth Walker plays, expect Charbonnet to play an important role in the offense. With Geno Smith a bit banged up but still playing, the Seahawks would rather establish the run game than have Smith make plays through the air.
Props have yet to be released at the time of writing, but check the website for the latest odds.
Game Betting Odds
- Vikings -3.5 (-110)
- Seahawks +3.5 (-110)
- Total: 42.5
- Moneyline:
- Vikings -185
- Seahawks +154
Recent Betting Trends
- The UNDER is 5-2 in the Vikings' last seven games.
- The Seahawks are 7-1 straight up (SU) in their last eight games vs. the Vikings.
- The OVER is 13-4 in the Vikings' last 17 games played in December.
- The Seahawks are 4-1 against the spread (ATS) in their last five games.
- The UNDER is 6-2 in the Seahawks' last eight games.
- The Seahawks are 1-5 ATS in their last six home games.