Strong ‘D’ and weather make Under play in Seattle vs. Minny
The most impactful game of NFL Week 13 takes place Monday night in Seattle as the Vikings visit the Seahawks. Seattle (9-2) owns the No. 1 wild-card position while the Vikings (8-3) own the No. 2 wild card. Both teams have their sights set on division titles and possible firstround byes. Seattle is favored by 3 points with a total of 50.
This is a rematch of last year’s Week 14 showdown in the Emerald City. The Seahawks won, 21-7, taking a 3-0 lead into the fourth quarter. Both head coaches — Mike Zimmer of the Vikings and Pete Carroll of the Seahawks — are regarded among the best defensive minds in the game. Zimmer has had an extra week to prepare for MVP candidate Russell Wilson and the Seattle rushing attack of Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny.
Seattle’s ball-hawking defense has forced 16 turnovers in the past six games. And expect Jadeveon Clowney — who is listed as questionable — to terrorize Vikings QB Kirk Cousins. Ah yes, Mr. Cousins. While Kirk has enjoyed his best year as a pro, his indoor versus outdoor splits are pronounced, and the Vikings average only 18 points outdoors as opposed to 31 in domes.
Game-time temperature is expected to be in the lower 40s heading toward 35 degrees. Last year, the temperature at kickoff was 47 degrees. Very similar circumstances to the game played exactly 51 Mondays ago — a game that featured 28 total points.
THE PLAY: We will go UNDER 50 tonight.
Catch Mike Palm with Brent Musburger on “My Guys in the Desert,” weekdays from 6-8 ET on ESPN 1050 AM