NFL 2024/25: Seahawks – Vikings
There are many betting sites that offer PayPal betting options, especially for this game. There is hardly a game in this Week 16 where two playoff contenders face each other who are better positioned in the standings than SEA and MIN.
I expect a tough game with a lot of running plays. The weather will prevent the ball from being thrown too often. Nevertheless, my Seahawks Vikings tip is that the guests in purple should be able to prevail in the end.
In week 16, we can look forward to a real taste of the playoffs when the Vikings and Seahawks meet at Lumen Field. Both teams are in the hunt for a top-7 spot in the NFC.
For the Vikings, it’s about consolidating their current position as No. 5 in the NFC, while the Seahawks still have to overtake the Washington Commanders to secure the last open playoff spot.
It’s a game that will be played with tremendous intensity, as if it were already for all or nothing.
The Vikings have not only excelled this season with their offensive strengths, but also with their aggressive defense.
Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores relies on an offensive blitz approach that allows the Vikings to consistently put pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
With 42 sacks and the fourth-best pressure rate in the league, Minnesota remains one of the best teams when it comes to putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
The Seahawks, with their experienced quarterback Geno Smith and solid offense, pose a real challenge, but Smith is plagued by a knee injury and may not be as mobile as he used to be.
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On the other hand, Seattle has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent weeks.
Initially, the Seahawks struggled with the concepts of their new defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, but in the last six games, they have established themselves as one of the stronger defensive teams in the NFL.
Seattle currently ranks 5th in the league in EPO (expected points added) per play and has become a real challenge for every team they face.
Despite a loss to the Packers in Week 15, in which they conceded 30 points, the Seahawks’ defense once again proved its resilience.
Particularly impressive was their ability to adapt in the second half, when they allowed just 10 points and tried to save the game.
But even if Seattle has made progress on the defensive side, the weather at Lumen Field will play a crucial role. The rain expected on Sunday could significantly affect the course of the game and hinder the passing attack of both teams.
With wind speeds of up to 37 km/h and constant rain, the Vikings and Seahawks will be forced to focus on running the ball and slowing the pace of play.
In such conditions, it could be difficult for both teams to play the many, quick passes that they usually favor. Consequently, I would tend towards an under 42.5 points bet at odds of around 1.87 in the Bet365 app.
On offense, the Vikings have a clear advantage when it comes to moving the ball in the air. Quarterback Sam Darnold has proven to be a reliable passer and can cover large distances with his receivers like Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.
But against the Seahawks defense, which has now emerged as one of the best teams against the pass, it will be crucial how well they cope with the adverse weather conditions and whether they will dare to throw the ball more often in the wind.
It could be a difficult task for Seattle to beat the “Purple People Eater” themselves, especially considering that Geno Smith does not perform best under pressure.
With a completion percentage under 57% and 11 of his 13 interceptions coming under pressure, Smith will be put to the test by the visitors’ intense pass rush. However, the Seahawks also have weapons that can still make the game competitive.
Wide receiver D.K. Metcalf, although banged up, remains a dangerous weapon in the passing game, while running back Kenneth Walker III brings an additional dimension to the game. But here, too, I expect a higher output from the RB than the WR due to the weather.
In summary, this game will be a hard-fought duel, in which the defensive lines in particular will be in the spotlight.
The Vikings will increasingly try to blitz Smith, while the Seahawks hope to prevail with a clever defense and a solid running game.
The weather will have a significant impact on the game, and we can look forward to an exciting, intense contest that will decide which team will advance to the playoffs.
My Seahawks Vikings tip: Win MIN & Under 42.5 points.
