The Seattle Seahawks play their final home game of the 2024 season today as they host the Minnesota Vikings. At least based on their record, this may be the toughest team they have faced all season. Entering Week 16, Minnesota has a 12-2 record while Seattle has a 8-6 record.

A win would at least keep the Seahawks afloat in a dangerous NFC West race with Sean McVay and the Los Angeles Rams, but a loss could be enough to hurt their chances of making the playoffs this year. Let’s look at everything you need to know about today’s game, starting with the latest odds.

Seahawks-Vikings odds

According to the latest odds from DraftKings Sportsbook, the Seahawks are three-point underdogs for tonight’s game despite playing at home. Historically, Seattle has had the upper hand on this team and is 13-6 overall against Minnesota, including a seven-game winning streak that was snapped in their last meeting in 2021.

Seahawks injuries

What speaks for them is the long-missing luck with injuries. Three players were ruled out for this week’s game, but they are all role players. These include tight end Brady Russell (foot), outside linebacker Trevis Gipson (ankle) and safety K’Von Wallace (ankle). The big unknown here is how healthy starting quarterback Geno Smith is after suffering a knee injury against Green Bay last week. While Smith has been listed as a full participant at practice all week, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he was a little weak out there today. As a precautionary measure, Seattle has added former Vikings quarterback Jaren Hall to the active roster.

Vikings injuries

On the other hand, Minnesota will be missing some key players. Cornerback Fabian Moreau (hip) and defensive end Jalen Redmond (concussion) are out. Meanwhile, star safety Harrison Smith (foot) and fullback CJ Ham (ankle) are considered questionable. Nobody else has a game status for this week.

What you should pay attention to

Sam Darnold is having a surprising breakout year as the Vikings’ quarterback, and that has contributed to their stellar record. However, the real reason they are a contender this year is Brian Flores’ lethal defense. Only the Philadelphia Eagles give up fewer points per game and only the Baltimore Ravens allow fewer rushing yards. The Vikings also have a strong pass rush and rank fourth in the league with 42 sacks this season. Unless Ryan Grubb has a few tricks up his sleeve that we haven’t seen this year, there’s a good chance the Seahawks will have a hard time moving the chains today.

Seahawks-Vikings prediction

Seattle was on a four-game winning streak before last week’s humiliating loss to the Packers, but by now you should know the pattern of this team. They look tough against non-playoff contenders and mediocre clubs, but when it comes to playing against real heavyweights, they keep getting knocked out – and that’s as far back as the 2024 season. As far as we know, their offensive line is still very poor and Geno Smith hasn’t performed well in the red zone when pressured. That’s a difficult dynamic to overcome, especially against a team like this. Vikings 20, Seahawks 17.

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