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Seahawks vs Vikings, 3 keys to a Seattle win

By Dan Viens

Dec 6, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) is tackled by Minnesota Vikings defensive back Terence Newman (23) at TCF Bank Stadium. The Seahawks defeated the Vikings 38-7. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) is tackled by Minnesota Vikings defensive back Terence Newman (23) at TCF Bank Stadium. The Seahawks defeated the Vikings 38-7. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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RUN VS. RUN

Nov 1, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) runs past Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Sean Lee (50) during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) runs past Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Sean Lee (50) during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

With reports that Marshawn Lynch is fully healthy again and participating fully in practice this week, it sets up a classic running back match up. The Vikings Adrian Peterson, who led the NFL in rushing, against Beast Mode. The Seahawks led the NFL in rushing defense and completely shut down Peterson in the first matchup, holding him to 18 yards on 8 carries. With Lynch out, Seattle RB Thomas Rawls ran for 101 yards and a TD against the Vikings 17th ranked running D.

If the Seahawks can bottle up Peterson again, it’ll put the game into Bridgewater’s hands, and that’s not a good match up for Minnesota. Consequently, the question for Seattle is how will Lynch mesh back into an offense that flourished in his absence? Offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell said he expects it to be status quo with Lynch, with him starting and getting his normal 20-25 touches. If he can get loose behind the much-improved Hawks offensive line, it should make for a long day for the Vikings defense.

SPECIAL TEAMS

We all saw the impact Tyler Lockett can have on a game Sunday, as he continually set the Seahawks up on a short field with long returns against the Cardinals.  If he can break a couple of those Sunday, it’ll make life much easier on the Seattle offense. But kicker Steven Hauschka and punter Jon Ryan could play just as big a role. If the weather wreaks havoc on the passing game, being accurate on field goals, and yes…. even extra point opportunities could swing the game, as could Ryan’s ability to pin teams deep with his coffin corner punts.

Next: Jimmy Fallon teases the Seahawks again

SUMMARY

This is the first time the Vikings have played an outdoor playoff game since 1979, as they wait for their new indoor stadium to be complete. There’s no question the weather is going to be a major story line in the game, but if both teams play relatively cleanly, it should amplify some of the match up advantages the Seahawks have.

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