Seattle Seahawks (9-8 last year) vs Minnesota Vikings (13-4 last season)
Minnesota Vikings vs Seattle Seahawks 8/10/2023 — The Minnesota Vikings didn’t have the best summer in terms of retaining players, but with Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson still in the fold, the team has high aspirations of repeating as NFC North winners. If you did not yet know, Aaron Rodgers left Green Bay, therefore, Minnesota will be itching to match its 13-4 regular season mark from the previous year. The Vikings will have to accomplish it without some recognizable faces if they want to win the NFC North once more in 2023.
The Seahawks traded Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos in the offseason, and head coach Pete Carroll surprised many by trusting 32-year-old Geno Smith to lead the team even though Smith did not yet play as a starting quarterback in the NFL since 2014. As a result, Smith had a career year, throwing for 4,282 yards and 30 passing touchdowns to win NFL Comeback Player of the Year honors. Before the San Francisco 49ers eliminated Seattle in the wild-card round, he led the team to a stunning 9-8 record and a playoff berth.
Minnesota Vikings vs Seattle Seahawks Game Info
Time: 10:00 PM ET.
Date: Thursday, August 10, 2023
Location: Lumen Field, WA
TV: FOX 9 and NFL Network
Minnesota RB Mattison and Seattle RB Walker
Alexander Mattison, a fifth-year running back, is anticipated to take over Cook’s role as the team’s main ball carrier. Though he never accumulated more than 134 carries and 491 running yards in a season, the former third-round draft pick out of Boise State has a high ceiling in his first starting position. The Vikings selected USC wide receiver Jordan Addison with the 23rd overall pick this year to fill Thielen’s spot.
Josh Oliver, a tight end, was also signed by Minnesota this offseason to a three-year, $21 million contract. Mattison and Addison will undoubtedly be motivated to succeed in any preseason action they encounter, it is safe to presume. But it’s also realistic to anticipate that the reserves will significantly influence the results of preseason games.
On Thursday, the starting running back Kenneth Walker III might not play much either, which might give second-round draft pick Zach Charbonnet a chance to demonstrate his versatility in the backfield in his first pro game. With D.K. Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and new addition Jaxon Smith-Njigba to the mix, Seattle’s wide receiver position should again be strong this season.
Seattle‘s statistics defensive performance last season was average, but the Seahawks added some players this offseason. After one season with the Rams, veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner returned to the organization. Defensive lineman Dre’Mont Jones, Jarran Reed, and safety Julian Love were also signed.
Odds/Point Spread: Minnesota Vikings +5, Total Odds: 35
The Minnesota Vikings are 1-6 SU in their last 7 matches when playing on the road against Seattle. The total went OVER in 4 of Minnesota’s last 5 matches against an opponent in the National Football Conference. The total went OVER in 4 of Minnesota’s last 6 matches against an opponent in the National Football Conference West. The Minnesota Vikings are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 matches played in August. The Seattle Seahawks are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 matches against an opponent in the National Football Conference. The Seattle Seahawks are 2-4 SU in their last 6 matches against an opponent in the National Football Conference North. The total went UNDER in 6 of Seattle’s last 8 matches played in August. The total went UNDER in 6 of Seattle’s last 7 matches played on a Thursday.
Minnesota Vikings Betting Trends
The Minnesota Vikings are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 matches. The total went OVER in 7 of Minnesota’s last 8 matches. The Minnesota Vikings are 12-4 SU in their last 16 matches. The Minnesota Vikings are 4-8 SU in their last 12 matches against Seattle. The Minnesota Vikings are 5-2 SU in their last 7 matches on the road.
Seattle Seahawks Betting Trends
The Seattle Seahawks are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 matches. The total went UNDER in 4 of Seattle’s last 5 matches. The Seattle Seahawks are 3-6 SU in their last 9 matches. The total went UNDER in 6 of Seattle’s last 9 matches against Minnesota. The Seattle Seahawks are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 matches at home. The Seattle Seahawks are 6-1 SU in their last 7 matches when playing at home against Minnesota.
Minnesota Vikings vs Seattle Seahawks Betting Trends
Minnesota Vikings vs Seattle Seahawks: Even though Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson’s tandem is still intact, the Minnesota Vikings must replace several supporting cast members this year. Cousins and Jefferson won’t likely play much in this game, and it will take some time for the rest of Minnesota’s team to come together. Meanwhile, Drew Lock, a seasoned backup quarterback for Seattle, has the potential to start games in this league. The Seahawks ought to have a huge advantage at quarterback if Lock gets some playing time on Thursday.
And even if this game does come down to the rookie quarterbacks, Holton Ahlers—a four-year starter with a strong arm and a lot of success at East Carolina—is the one to favor. Further research reveals that the Vikings had a remarkable 11-0 record in contests decided by eight points or less last year. Moving forward, there will inevitably be some regression from that point. To start the preseason, Seattle’s improved defense ought to be able to contain Minnesota.
Free Pick and Prediction: Seattle Seahawks will win 21-14.
