Vikings at Seahawks: 3 Bold Predictions
The Minnesota Vikings are 12-2, a shocking result considering the lowered expectations the franchise entered the season with. But Kevin O’Connell’s team keeps winning, and they can do it in numerous ways. They can win Mike Zimmer-type ugly and low-scoring games but also compete in shootouts. In the last few years, the Vikings didn’t have both qualities because one phase of the team regularly disappointed.
Vikings at Seahawks: 3 Bold Predictions
A win would be Minnesota’s first in Seattle in roughly two decades. But that’s not a prediction we’re striving for here. Let’s find three different ones.
1. Aaron Jones’ Signature Day
The weather forecast is a classic Seattle outlook with a bunch of rain. That will impact the passing attack, but the good news is that Aaron Jones, Minnesota’s veteran running back, has been heating up recently.
He went on a tear for Green Bay late last season, eclipsing 100 rushing yards in each of his final five games. No Viking has recorded more than 140 rushing yards in three years, and in Seattle’s rain, Jones will get there.
The runner is also a talented pass-catcher out of the backfield, and he will be a vital outlet for Sam Darnold. Although Seattle has a decent defense, Minnesota’s rusher will not be stopped.
2. Minnesota Sack Party
Only C.J. Stroud and Caleb Williams have taken more sacks than Geno Smith in the 2024 season. On the other side, the Vikings rank fourth in the NFL in sacks.
That combination is a massive problem for the Seahawks. Jonathan Greenard has already collected 11 sacks in his first season with the Vikings, and the count shows nine for Andrew Van Ginkel. After a three-game drought, he is due to get home.
First-round rookie Dallas Turner has recently become another scary defender, and he is eying sack number three in his young career.
3. Another Huge Win
The Vikings won their last two games by 18 and 21 points. They have recorded three consecutive wins with 17 or more points twice in their franchise history, in 2007 and 2009. They can add to that list on Sunday.
It’s been a fun change this year; the Vikes have the firepower on both sides of the ball to win big after entering the season with a three-score drought since 2019. Darnold and his crew have scored 72 points in the last couple of games. Seattle will be another tough test after a solid Bears defense.
Editor’s Note: Information from rbsdm and Pro Football Reference helped with this article.
Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and prefers Classic rock over other genres. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt