The Seattle Seahawks need a victory over the Minnesota Vikings in Week 16 to make sure they make Week 18 very interesting. Seattle is statistically tied with the Los Angeles Rams for first place in the NFC West, but the Rams have the head-to-head advantage. LA also has an easier schedule for their final three games than Seattle.
The Rams play the 4-10 New York Jets in Week 16, and then the reeling Arizona Cardinals in Week 17. Seattle and Los Angeles play each other again in the final game of the year. Should Seattle win out then they will win the division and earn a playoff spot. A loss to the Vikings is crippling, but not season-ending.
The good news for the Seahawks in Week 16 is that running back Kenneth Walker III will return. Quarterback Geno Smith, who hurt his knee in Week 15 and had to leave the game, will also play. Now Seattle just needs to get fantastic performances from both to have any chance to defeat the Vikings.
Seahawks and Vikings inactive players for Week 16 game
Seattle Seahawks inactive players for Week 16
- Tight end Brady Russell
- Cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett
- Linebacker Patrick O'Connell
- Offensive tackle Michael Jerrell
- Wide receiver Cody White
- Quarterback Jaren Hall
Minnesota Vikings inactive players for Week 16
- Cornerback Fabian Moreau
- Defensive lineman Jalen Richmond
- Quarterback Brett Rypien
- Safety Harrison Smith
- Tight end Nick Muse
- Center Dan Feeney
- Offensive tackle Walter Rouse
According to FanDuel, the visiting Vikings are a 2.5-point favorite. The old adage used to be that a home team would get three points which means oddsmakers feel Minnesota should be favored by almost a touchdown. And who can blame the bookmakers? Seattle has not beaten a team with a current winning record and the Vikings are 12-2.
The over/under is 42.5, which seems a bit low. Let's hope that Seattle's red zone offense is a lot more efficient and takes advantage of any chances the unit gets. Defensively, Seattle needs to create turnovers on the Vikings side of the field.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.