The Minnesota Vikings (1-3) are headed to the Pacific Northwest to take on the Seattle Seahawks (4-0). The Vikings have failed to live up to preseason expectations thus far. In contrast, a high-powered Seahawks offense has rocketed them to a 4-0 start to their 2020 season. The Vikings need a win this week to try and re-kindle their season while Seattle hopes to continue their dominance in the NFC.
The Vikings have had a disappointing season on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Kirk Cousins has not been the primetime quarterback we saw last season and has thrown just as many picks as touchdowns with six each. However, running back Dalvin Cook has been a bright spot for the offense and has been a big part of why they have scored 30 or more points in three out of their four games. Cook has had 140 or more yards from scrimmage and at least one score these past two weeks and will look to stun the Seattle run defense. Wideouts Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson have both had excellent seasons thus far. Jefferson has totaled 348 receiving yards, and Thielen has found the endzone four times.
The Vikings defense has been one of the biggest disappointments thus far in the NFL. Head coach Mike Zimmer usually has a top-notch defense at his disposal. However, his secondary has been instead hit or miss allowing 19 plays of 20 or more yards due to injuries. However, the Vikings plan to have cornerback Mike Hughes back this week. This will allow rookie corners Jeff Gladney and Cameron Dantzler more time to develop. Outside of Yannick Ngakoue, who has totaled four sacks this season, no one else has been able to generate consistent pressure. The Vikings look to be missing edge rusher, Danielle Hunter, as he remains on the Injured Reserve.
For the Seahawks, everything is about big-play potential. Quarterback Russell Wilson appears to be a clear MVP frontrunner totaling 16 touchdowns and just two interceptions through four weeks. Second-year veteran D.K. Metcalf has been Wilson’s favorite deep ball target this season. Metcalf has totaled 403 yards on only 16 receptions, averaging 25.2 yards per receptions. Running back Chris Carson has also been having a great season totaling 237 rushing yards on 53 carries, averaging 4.5 yards per carry.
This is not the Seahawks offense of old, or even the team of old, as the offense has been the one carrying them to an undefeated record currently. The defense has been a weak spot thus far, to put it lightly. The Seahawks defense sits presently 32nd in total yards and passing yards allowed this season and 31st in first downs allowed. To top it off, they have allowed the second-most plays of 20 or more yards (20) and the most plays of 40 or more yards (6).
Game Info
Date: 10/11/2020
Start time: 5:20 P.M. PST
Location: Seattle, WA
Stadium: CenturyLink Field
TV Info: NBC
Betting Odds Sponsored by Jazz Sportsbook
Point Spread: MIN +7 (-110) | SEA -7 (-110)
Moneyline: MIN +265 | SEA -340
Over/Under: O 57 (-110)｜U 57 (-110)
This game will be close, so the idea of Seattle scoring by more than a touchdown doesn’t seem very likely. While bettors should stay away from this point spread, if you have to take one, bet on Minnesota keeping the score within seven points against a weak Seahawks secondary.
The money line won’t generate much revenue this week; however, an over/under of 57 is within reach here. This game is an offensive fan’s dream as both team’s offenses have had success, and both defenses have struggled. You can bet on these teams carrying the point total past 57 in this one.
Prediction
This game will be a high-scoring affair, and whoever gets the last laugh in this one who will be victorious. Wilson and Seattle will come exploding out of the gates in this one, but Cook and the Vikings will go toe-to-toe with them for a while. Eventually, the Seahawks will claim victory on a late touchdown.
Final Score: Minnesota 30, Seattle 35
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