Seahawks vs. Vikings: Staff predictions for playoff-type game

The 7-5 Seahawks play the 6-5-1 Vikings on Monday night. With both teams struggling to get to the postseason, this may have a playoff-type atmosphere. Who wins?

The Seahawks have won three in a row and are currently the fifth seed in the NFC playoff picture. Minnesota is a half-game behind Seattle. For two teams fighting to make the playoffs, a win on Monday would be a big step towards the postseason.

This is how our staff sees the game unfolding.

Kevin Daggett (co-host of the 12th Man Rising podcast)

Folks, I’m a realist. My old employer called being a realist being a pessimist. Whatever you want to call it, I’m not afraid to speak my mind. Early on, I was critical of this team and I think it was deserved. That said, this Seahawks team is playing well right now. Run game is solid and Russell Wilson is getting it down when he needs to. I would like to see more pressure from the defensive line but overall no real complaints. The defensive back field is growing up quickly. I hope D.J. Fluker’s injury is not too bad but we all know Hammy’s are a tricky bunch. Next man up time, boys! Seattle gets Mychal Kendricks back this week and I bet he’ll be ready to lay the wood to a few folks. Keeping the dream alive!

Prediction: Seahawks 27 Vikings 17

Luke Allen (contributor)

The Seahawks have won three straight and look to make it four on Monday night against another NFC team looking for a wildcard spot in the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings present a huge offensive threat in a two-headed monster wide receiving corps. The young Seattle corners have their toughest test of the year trying to cover Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen. The Vikings still have a strong defense and look to test the offensive line, who may be without D.J. Fluker for a while. I think the home field advantage helps the ‘Hawks get it done in overtime, thanks to a Russell Wilson to David Moore walk off touchdown. Seattle improves to 8-5 and makes a huge statement to the rest of the NFC.

Prediction: Seahawks 33 Vikings 27 in overtime

Todd Vandenberg (co-expert)

The Seahawks easily won what I foolishly thought would be a trap game against the 49ers. The Minnesota Vikings will definitely be a tougher contest. Kirk Cousins will certainly test the secondary that allowed over 400 yards passing by Nick Mullens. I think Mychal Kendricks’ return will help pressure Cousins, though. On defense, the Vikings are tough against the run, although the Patriots did just slash through them for over 160 yards rushing. I still see the ‘Hawks running enough to set up Russell Wilson’s play action bombs.

Predictions: Seahawks 37 Vikings 20

Lee Vowell (co-expert)

This game worries me. As Todd pointed out, Minnesota is good against the run. I think after the issues with the Patriots (New England ran for 160 yards last week against Minnesota), the Vikings get things corrected. This forces Seattle to rely on Wilson more and the Vikings can get pressure. The Vikings are eighth in the NFL in sacks. Offensively, Minnesota throws the ball well and lately Seattle has had issues defending the pass. I just think the strengths of the Vikings go against the weaknesses of Seattle more than the other way around.

Prediction: Vikings 28 Seahawks 20