Seahawks Dominate Vikings Amid Darnold’s Return
The Minnesota Vikings, currently struggling with a 4-7 record, are looking to snap a three-game losing streak as they head to Seattle. The Seahawks, boasting an impressive 8-3 record, are solidly positioned for a playoff run. Coach Kevin O’Connell’s squad aims to secure a win in the Pacific Northwest, replicating their success from last season. However, the storyline takes a twist: last year, Sam Darnold showcased his talent with three touchdown passes against the Seahawks as a member of the Vikings. This time, Darnold is under center for Seattle, facing the team that let him go just a few months ago.
Quarterback Shuffle in Minnesota
With J.J. McCarthy currently in concussion protocol, the Vikings are set to start undrafted rookie Max Brosmer in one of the league’s most challenging environments. Brosmer’s first NFL start will take place against a formidable Seahawks defense, which has been known to stifle opposing offenses. Seattle enters this matchup as a significant 11.5-point favorite, raising questions about the Vikings’ ability to pull off an upset.
Expert Predictions
As the anticipation builds for this intriguing showdown, our staff weighs in with their predictions:
Will Ragatz: Seahawks 31, Vikings 20
Ragatz is cautiously optimistic about Brosmer’s performance, suggesting that he may outshine McCarthy’s recent struggles. Despite Brosmer’s inexperience, he has the advantage of having a solid grasp of the Vikings’ offensive scheme. Quick decision-making will be crucial for him to counteract Seattle’s aggressive pass rush. While Brosmer may lead some scoring drives, Ragatz believes the Vikings won’t keep pace with the Seahawks’ explosive offense. He foresees Darnold throwing three touchdowns without an interception, leaving many Vikings fans pondering the what-ifs of this season had Darnold remained in Minnesota.
Joe Nelson: Vikings 38, Seahawks 13
In a bold prediction, Nelson envisions Brosmer embarking on a transformative journey as he throws for 300 yards and five touchdowns, leading the Vikings to a stunning blowout victory. Meanwhile, he expects Darnold to struggle, tossing four interceptions. Nelson’s unwavering faith in the Vikings shines through, although it’s worth noting that he rarely predicts losses for his team, a strategy that has backfired this season.
Tony Liebert: Seahawks 24, Vikings 14
Liebert sees Brosmer’s accuracy from his college days at the University of Minnesota as a potential asset for the Vikings. He believes Minnesota can keep the game competitive but ultimately predicts that Darnold will secure his revenge with key plays down the stretch to seal a Seahawks victory.
Jonathan Harrison: Seahawks 30, Vikings 10
Harrison highlights the daunting challenge Brosmer faces in his debut against a top-five defense in one of the loudest venues in the NFL. Although the Titans managed to score 24 points against Seattle last week, Harrison points out that they had the advantage of starting the number one overall draft pick at quarterback. He anticipates a single touchdown for Minnesota but predicts a decisive win for the Seahawks.
Adam Uren: Seahawks 30, Vikings 17
Uren is skeptical about Brosmer’s prospects, foreseeing another tough loss for the Vikings. He acknowledges the narrative of Darnold’s revenge but believes that Brian Flores’s defense will present a significant challenge. Ultimately, he expects the Seahawks’ talent to overwhelm Minnesota, leading to a 4-8 record for the Vikings.
As the matchup approaches, the stakes are high for both teams. The Vikings, desperate to revive their season, face a daunting task against a Seahawks team that is hitting its stride.
