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The Seattle Seahawks and the Minnesota Vikings will clash in what should be one of the more exciting games of Week 3. It's time to continue our NFL odds series and make a Seahawks-Vikings prediction and pick.
The Seahawks are coming off a crushing defeat to the Tennessee Titans. Seattle dominated the game for three quarters, but their defense couldn't hold off Tennessee's rushing attack forever. Minnesota lost control in their season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals, but they came back and put on a show against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 2.
Here's how the bookmakers have set the lines for Sunday's game.
NFL Odds: Seahawks-Vikings Odds
Seattle Seahawks -1 (-123)
Minnesota Vikings +1 (+103)
Over 54 1/2 points (-110)
Under 54 1/2 points (-110)
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Why The Seahawks Can Cover The Spread
In typical Seattle fashion, they win or lose by the hand of Russell Wilson. That usually works pretty well because of how good Wilson is, especially against poor defenses like Minnesota's. The Vikings just allowed 400 passing yards to Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals, and Seattle is just as good through the air as Arizona is. Wilson and receivers Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf should put up gaudy numbers in this matchup with ease.
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The Vikings have had struggles along the offensive line for years now, and this season is no different. They gave up three sacks to the lowly Bengals pass rush and allowed quarterback Kirk Cousins to be under constant pressure against the Cardinals. Seattle's defensive line surprised everyone by playing well, posting six sacks and eighteen quarterback hits through two weeks. Blocking this Seahawks front may be too much to ask for Minnesota based on their last few performances.
Unfortunately for the Vikings, it looks like the injury bug is hitting them early. Rookie first-round pick Christian Darrisaw hasn't seen the field yet because of a groin injury, and star linebacker Anthony Barr has already been ruled out for this contest. Offensive lynchpin Dalvin Cook could miss this game too. Seattle should be playing a weakened version of this Vikings team, making things even easier for them.
Why The Vikings Can Cover The Spread
The Vikings are a similar team to the Seahawks so it makes sense that they need to win in similar ways. Minnesota's offense could be the key to victory in this one, even if Dalvin Cook doesn't end up suiting up. Kirk Cousins is a hugely underrated quarterback, and the receiver trio of Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen, and KJ Osborn are one of the best in the entire NFL. Seattle just gave up nearly 350 yards passing to Ryan Tannehill and the Titans, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see Cousins post similar numbers to that in this game.
Much like the Vikings (again), Seattle has offensive line problems. The Seahawks have given up six sacks in the last couple of games, and now they face a sneaky-good pass rush. Danielle Hunter just notched three sacks against Arizona a week after Minnesota posted five sacks against the Bengals. Russell Wilson will be running for his life in this game which should help negate the Vikings' shortcomings in the secondary.
Final Seahawks-Vikings Prediction & Pick
This seems like a slam-dunk spot to pick Seattle, but they aren't the best selection on the board. The over is easily the safest pick, as both of these teams give up tons of points. The Seahawks should post 25 or more points easily and there's good reason to believe that Minnesota is capable of doing the same.
FINAL PICK: Over 54 1/2 points (-110)
