3 Bold Predictions for Seahawks-Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings remain in the league’s Top 6 Super Bowl odds, a strange — but in a good way —circumstance after sportsbooks picked the purple team to win six or seven games in early September.
3 Bold Predictions for Seahawks-Vikings
That’s the beauty of a 12-2 start. Minnesota has won seven straight after a two-game, post-bye losing dip and is absolutely back on track.
So, with the Vikings’ contest against the Seattle Seahawks just around the bend, these are three bold predictions for Seahawks-Vikings.
1. The Dallas Turner Terror Continues
Last weekend’s win against the Chicago Bears wasn’t necessarily a textbook “breakout” game for Dallas Turner, but he did turn heads with a sweet sack and increased playing time.
For weeks, Minnesota’s coaching staff has insisted that Turner will acclimate to the defensive rotation, and they weren’t kidding. He’s been held in check on Sundays because Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard are just too damn good.
But this weekend, Turner will continue his progress, logging a sack and a couple of impactful plays against the Seahawks. It’s not a big mystery to wonder if Turner will be good.
2. Vikings Intercept Geno Smith at Least Twice
Geno Smith is a bit hobbled, is pretty damn mediocre as-is, and Minnesota’s defense loves to force turnovers.
Brian Flores’ group has used opportunism every step of the way this season, creating fumbles and interceptions left and right. It’s part of the 2024 Vikings experience, a calling card, so to speak.
Well, it won’t stop in Seattle, as Minnesota defenders will rip off two passes from Smith. Or — if Smith gets hurt again, this prediction can be extended to his backup, Sam Howell.
Not for nothing, former Viking Jaren Hall is Seattle’s QB3.
3. Vikings Score a Return TD
Minnesota hasn’t returned a kick or punt for a touchdown since 2016. The drought is long and bizarre. Of course, Andrew Van Ginkel has taken two interception returns to the house this season, so there is no drought on defense.
One way or another, Minnesota will take a punt, kick, or interception back for six. The most likely outcome per this prediction is punt returner Brandon Powell getting loose on a punt. He’s overdue.
It’s time to end the eight-year streak of no kick or punt return touchdowns. Why not in Seattle?
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His MIN obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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