Seahawks versus Vikings: 3 bold predictions week five
By Lee Vowell
D.K. Metcalf has 140 yards receiving
The Vikings defense has not been very good this year (much like Seattle’s). While the Seahawks have by far given up the most receiving yards in the NFL in 2020 (1,604), the Vikings are 28th (1,167). But here’s the thing, while Seattle has allowed all those yards they are also 9th in quarterback-rating-allowed (89.0). Minnesota is 25th (105.2). This is where D.K. Metcalf comes in.
Minnesota is last in the league in explosive plays allowed (plays that go for 20-plus yards) when the opposing team throws a pass. The Vikings have allowed 19 of these plays or 13 percent of the time another team passes. Metcalf averages 25.2 yards per catch, first in the NFL.
Minnesota can only bring a safety over – and the Vikings do have good safeties – to cover Metcalf deep so much. Having a safety cheat opens up the middle of the field and this would allow Tyler Lockett and the tight ends to catch a bunch of passes.
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There will be several plays where Metcalf gets one-on-one coverage and he has simply been unguardable on these occasions as he has about 100 more yards than any other receiver in the NFC when facing single coverage in 2020.
Plus, Metcalf has shown that he can catch a short pass, as he did against the Dolphins, juke a defensive back, outsprint another and then power his way for yards. Metcalf is a freak and he will get more than 140 yards receiving against smaller and less talented Vikings corners on Sunday.