Minnesota Vikings vs. Seattle Seahawks: Betting Odds, Injury Update For Monday Night Matchup

The Seattle Seahawks (7-5) and Minnesota Vikings (6-5-1) would be the fifth and sixth seeds in the NFC if the NFL playoffs started today. However, for these two teams who are hoping to hold on and punch their tickets to the tournament, the playoffs might as well start today.

The Seahawks are favored by 3 points over the Vikings in tonight’s Monday night matchup, per OddsShark. Both teams have had trouble beating good teams, as the Vikings are 0-4 and the Seahawks are 1-4 against teams that currently have winning records this year.

This will be a battle of offenses with contrasting styles. The Vikings are 8th in passing yards per game and just 30th in rushing yards per game. The Seahawks, meanwhile, are 27th in passing yards per game and first in rushing yards per game.

Minnesota actually has a statistical advantage on defense, landing in the top 10 in both passing and rushing yards allowed per game. Seattle is slightly below league average in both marks, but is 8th in points allowed.

Injuries have piled up for both teams. Cornerback Trae Waynes has been downgraded to out for the Vikings due to a concussion, while star wide receiver Stefon Diggs was limited in practice all week with a knee injury. Linebacker Eric Kendricks, who leads the Vikings in tackles, is questionable after missing most of the week with a rib injury.

The Seahawks will be without linebacker K.J. Wright, who missed practice all week with a knee injury. Offensive lineman D.J. Fluker (hamstring) is doubtful, while running back Rashaad Penny is questionable with an ankle injury.

Most concerning for Seattle is star wideout Doug Baldwin, who did not practice all week with a hip injury and is listed as questionable for tonight’s game.

Prediction: Oddsmakers expect it to be a close game, and Seattle will have a tough time blowing out the Vikings if playmakers like Baldwin are out or limited. Seattle’s homefield advantage is serious, though, and if Russell Wilson plays a clean game and the Seahawks’ vaunted running game is effective, they should win and cover the spread.

Seahawks win, 24-17