Seattle Seahawks vs. Minnesota Vikings
NFL Preseason Week 3: Friday, August 24th 2018 8:00 PM EST TIME
The Seattle Seahawks unloaded their starters in week two against the Los Angeles Chargers but was unable to get any push on both sides of the ball. With another loss in their name, the Seahawks are looking to rebound as they head into Minnesota to take on the Vikings. As for the Vikings, their offensive production was shut down by a stellar Jaguars team as they look to spoil the Seahawks once again.
Who will be the starting RB?
The Seattle Seahawks main offensive weapon is dual quarterback Russell Wilson. He has the ability to change the game within a couple of throws, however, often does not have the support around him to do it more that he should be able to. That was the case in their week two game against the Los Angeles Chargers as Wilson went into the second quarter and was only able to manage six points. A key part of the offensive struggles have been the running game.
The Seahawks first-round running back pick Rashaad Penny has been sideline with a hand injury which will require surgery. With their hopeful running back star sideline, they have next to zero running back depth. In the loss Seattle finished the game with 61 rushing yards. Nowhere near the expectations they want.
With the Seahawks struggling to find a running game, expect them to plan a heavy attack game against the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings have allowed at least 100 rushing yards in every preseason game so far this season.
Wake Up Call
The Minnesota Vikings got a wake-up call in their last preseason game as they were unable to get any type of offensive production against the stellar Jaguars defense. Quarterback Kirk Cousins started the game but only managed 12 passing yards on three completed attempts. Nothing fancy. With the passing game stalling throughout the game, they had to find a running attack and did so with running back Mike Boone.
The former Cincinnati Bearcat shined with a total of 91 rushing yards on 13 carries, including a nice 26-yard run that was the longest Vikings play of the day. With Boone adding some added heat to the Vikings running back, he might have to perform even more as Dalvin Cook may make his appearance against the Seahawks.
Expect the Vikings to come full circle now as they unleash their true running attack and passing game with Cousins and Cook Friday night.
Notable Trends
VIKINGS
- Vikings are 42-19 ATS in their last 61 games overall.
- Vikings are 35-16 ATS in their last 51 games on fieldturf.
- Vikings are 34-16-1 ATS in their last 51 home games.
SEAHAWKS
- Seahawks are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games on fieldturf
The Bottom Line What to bet on this game.
Full-Game Side Bet
Plain and simple: The Seattle Seahawks do not have an offense besides Russel Wilson. They barley managed six points against the Los Angeles Chargers and will struggle once again against a tough Minnesota defense. With Kirk Cousins likely to play more than one quarter, along with the return of Dalvin Cook expect the Vikings to flash some signs of what they will bring in the regular season. NFL Preseason Lock Pick goes to the Minnesota Vikings on Friday night.
Prediction: Minnesota Vikings -3.5
Full-Game Total Pick
The UNDER has hit in four of the past five times the Seahawks have visited the Vikings as Seattle will have problems scoring over 10 points on Friday night. After a couple of hard hits on Wilson, the Seahawks may even pull out their quarterback early. No need to have him in there for the more than two quarters with a scary defensive line going up against a make shift offensive line of Seattle.
Prediction: UNDER 40.5
