Seattle Seahawks vs. Minnesota Vikings: Latest odds, injuries, what to watch, prediction

The Seattle Seahawks play their final home game of the 2024 season today when they host the Minnesota Vikings. At least by record, this might be the toughest team they’ve faced all season. Heading into Week 16, Minnesota has a 12-2 record, while Seattle enters at 8-6.

A win would at least keep the Seahawks afloat in a perilous NFC West race with Sean McVay and the Los Angeles Rams, but a loss could be enough to sink their chances of making the playoffs this year. Let’s go over everything you need to know about today’s game, starting with the latest odds.

Seahawks-Vikings odds

According to the latest odds at DraftKings SportsbookThe Seahawks are three-point underdogs for today’s game despite playing at home. Historically, Seattle has been outscored by this team 13-6 all-time against Minnesota, including a seven-game winning streak snapped in their last meeting in 2021.

Seahawks injuries

One thing going in their favor is some long-lost luck with injuries. Three players have been excluded for this week’s game, but they are all role players. That includes tight end Brady Russell (foot), outside linebacker Trevis Gipson (ankle) and safety K’Von Wallace (ankle). The big unknown here is how healthy starting quarterback Geno Smith is after suffering a knee injury last week against Green Bay. Although Smith was listed as a full participant all week at practice, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he’s a little gimpy out there today. Seattle has signed former Vikings quarterback Jaren Hall to the active roster as a safety measure.

Vikings injuries

On the other hand, Minnesota will be missing a few role players of their own. Cornerback Fabian Moreau (hip) and defensive end Jalen Redmond (concussion) have been ruled out. Meanwhile, star safety Harrison Smith (foot) and running back CJ Ham (ankle) are listed as questionable. No one else has a game status for this week.

What to watch out for

Sam Darnold is has a surprising breakout year as a quarterback for the Vikings, and it has played a role in their excellent record. But the real reason they are a contender this year is a lethal defense called by Brian Flores. Only the Philadelphia Eagles allow fewer points per game and only the Baltimore Ravens allow fewer rushing yards. The Vikings also have a strong pass rush, tied for fourth in the league with 42 sacks on the season. Unless Ryan Grubb has a few tricks up his sleeve that we haven’t seen yet this year, odds are the Seahawks will have a tough time moving the chains today.

Seahawks-Vikings prediction

Seattle had a four-game winning streak going into last week’s humiliating loss to the Packers, but by now you should know the pattern for this team. They look tough against non-playoff contenders and mediocre clubs, but when it comes to facing actual heavyweights, they’ve been consistently blown out — and that goes back more than just the 2024 season. As far as we know, their offensive line is still really bad, and Geno Smith hasn’t performed well in the red zone when pressured. That’s a tough dynamic to overcome, especially against a team like this. Vikings 20, Seahawks 17.

More Seahawks stories

Tyler Lockett comments on dramatically reduced role in Seahawks offense

The Seahawks predicted to trade for the boom-or-bust QB that Pete Carroll loved

The Seahawks expected to sign breakout Ravens S to replace Rayshawn Jenkins