RENTON — The Seattle Seahawks don’t have any alternative however to maneuver ahead.
After a disappointing loss to Inexperienced Bay allowed the Los Angeles Rams — who’ve the identical file however personal the tiebreaker benefit — to leapfrog them within the NFC West standings, the Seahawks are getting ready to host one other powerful NFC North foe within the Minnesota Vikings.
Whereas they now not have the within observe to win their division, this sport is essential to the Seahawks’ playoff possibilities. Seattle (8-6) has a 36% probability of constructing the postseason, in response to the NFL, and that chance would enhance to 52% with a victory.
Minnesota (12-2) incorporates a resurgent Sam Darnold throwing to dynamic receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, in addition to top-of-the-line run defenses within the NFL.
“They have really good players, a really good scheme, and they’re well-coached,” Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald stated. “They have some flexibility within their players too, where they can change up looks on you with the same people on the fields. That’s something you have to account for, and different personnel groups.”
The Vikings have an opportunity to clinch the No. 1 seed within the NFC in the event that they win out, however gamers say they’re solely centered on the subsequent sport.
“It’s going to be a grind because these are really good football teams we’re going to play, whether it’s two on the road or hosting Green Bay here,” coach Kevin O’Connell stated. “So a lot out in front of us, but we have to go back to work. That’s what this is all about and continuing to chase improvement.”
Seahawks relieved at damage information
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith is on observe to play Sunday after he suffered a knee damage within the loss to Inexperienced Bay. Smith left within the third quarter, however he has been a full participant on this week’s practices.
Seattle had some considerations at working again, with each Kenneth Walker III (calf) and Zach Charbonnet (indirect) sitting out earlier within the week. Walker missed the previous two video games, and Charbonnet carried out properly in his place, dashing for 134 yards and two touchdowns in opposition to Arizona, and scoring on a 24-yard run in opposition to Inexperienced Bay.
Walker was a full participant in Thursday’s apply, whereas Charbonnet and middle Olu Oluwatimi (knee, quad) had been restricted contributors. Not one of the three have damage designations headed into the sport, signaling they’re out there to play.
Residence subject (dis)benefit?
Sunday’s loss dropped the Seahawks to 3-5 at Lumen Discipline. It’s simply the second time since 2009 that Seattle has had a dropping file at house, and the loss to the Packers was interrupted a number of occasions by loud chants of “Go Pack Go” from Inexperienced Bay followers.
“I know the first quarter, second or third play of the game, it got crazy loud in there. I looked around, and it was a lot of Green Bay fans,” receiver DK Metcalf stated. “So they did a great job traveling, but just wishing the 12s didn’t sell as many tickets as they did to make sure we kept the home advantage. But yeah, it would mean a lot just to take this last one home and finish off the season strong.”
Dominant protection
Of their victory final weekend, the Vikings allowed the Bears just one conversion on 12 third downs and one on three fourth downs. Although they’ve allowed the fourth-most passing yards within the league, the Vikings are delivering on protection when it counts. They rank fourth within the NFL in third-down conversion proportion and first on fourth down. They’re thirteenth in red-zone touchdowns allowed and third in goal-to-go TDs allowed.
They’re tied for second with 28 takeaways and lead the league with 20 interceptions, and have allowed the fourth-fewest factors per sport (18).
“The team we have, the guys we have, the accountability we have in our room, we all hold each other to high standards and it’s showing up right now in the nitty-gritty of the season,” security Josh Metellus stated. “We’ve got guys doing their job exceptionally well. Everybody’s not trying to make hero plays. We know the plays are going to come. It’s all about just doing your job every single play.”
Deep receiving corps
As opponents proceed to stack up the secondary to attempt to hold Jefferson quiet, the Vikings have persistently discovered methods to take benefit, whether or not by handing the ball to Aaron Jones or exploiting single protection in opposition to Addison and T.J. Hockenson.
Addison has 30 catches for 473 yards and 5 touchdowns within the final 5 video games.
“Just the way that he’s been coming into work, he’s just been a pro,” Darnold stated. “This whole entire year he’s been a pro, but to see it coming to fruition and see him just do well, it’s really fun to watch.”
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AP Sports activities Author Dave Campbell in Minneapolis contributed to this report.