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No 12th Man? Minnesota Vikings Open as Road Favorites vs Seattle Seahawks

Originally posted on Minnesota Sports Fan
By Ted Schwerzler | Last updated Dec 17, 2024 11:15 AM ET

It’s possible that the Minnesota Vikings simply forgot how to lose. After starting the year with a five-game winning streak, they have now ripped off seven in a row. It’s a short week after playing the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football. That doesn’t stop Kevin O’Connell’s team from being road favorites yet again.

Uncertain challenges face Minnesota Vikings in Seattle

When facing a division opponent, things are pretty straightforward. Minnesota knew what to expect against a Bears team they had beat just a few weeks ago . That is less true against an uncommon opponent, and the Seattle Seahawks bring a level of uncertainty to the matchup. For now, Vegas sees the Vikings as a better team.

Sportsbook	Spread	Moneyline	Over/Under
FanDuel	-3.5	-176	43.5
DraftKings	-3.5	-170	43
ESPNBet	-3	-165	43.5

Mike Macdonald’s team could present itself in a couple of ways on Sunday afternoon. Quarterback Geno Smith went down against the Green Bay Packers. It sounds as if he’ll play, the minute Sam Howell takes over things could get ugly quick.

Geno Smith –

Not seeing a whole lot here other than a “jam” situation as his cleat sticks in the turf. Not much at the ankles.
Wonder if it’s his knee after forced max flexion with his cleat sticking.

He remains on the sideline with staff for now. pic.twitter.com/dyQYLsYWnp
— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) December 16, 2024

Kenneth Walker III has been dealing with a calf injury and has missed the past two games. Zach Charbonnet has produced in his absence, but the starting running back could return against Minnesota.

The weather should be warmer than what Minnesota has experienced elsewhere this season, but rain is in the forecast. It makes sense that the total is a bit muted, and it could become more of a ground and pound affair.

Minnesota controls its own destiny the rest of the way. After the Detroit Lions lost to the Buffalo Bills, a Week 18 showdown between a pair of teams with two losses would be must-see action. The Vikings need to show up and hold serve rather than looking ahead to a rivalry game with Green Bay in Week 17.

The Vikings have beat both Arizona and San Francisco this season while losing to the Los Angeles Rams. A win against an 8-6 Seattle team could push the NFC West contender out of the playoff picture.

Seattle has always been suggested to have a strong home field advantage with the “12th Man.” Vegas doesn’t seem to agree with Minnesota bringing all of the pressure.

This article first appeared on Minnesota Sports Fan and was syndicated with permission.

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