5 Bold Predictions: Vikings vs. Seahawks – Week 13

Wilson will have a better game against the Vikings this year

Last year’s visit to Seattle seemed like it was a beat down, but it had nothing to do with the Vikings’ passing defense. Mike Zimmer’s defense did its job in the 21-7 defeat and held Russell Wilson to a career-low 72 yards passing. If it wasn’t for the Seahawks’ run-oriented offense and Wilson’s scrambling ability, Minnesota may have had an even better chance of winning.

This time around, it’s almost impossible for the Vikings to expect a repeat performance. Wilson has been playing at an MVP level this season, throwing 24 touchdowns to just three interceptions. While Wilson has continued playing as he has since breaking into the league in 2012, his supporting cast has also been a major factor.

Tyler Lockett has turned his game up a notch after the sudden end to Doug Baldwin‘s career and rookie D.K. Metcalf has had growing pains, but he still has been a big-play threat that Wilson didn’t have last year outside of Lockett. Seattle just added Josh Gordon to the mix, giving Wilson several ways to hurt opposing defenses and we haven’t even talked about his scrambling ability which produced 61 yards on seven carries in last year’s meeting with Minnesota.

With the Vikings pass defense being a key topic of discussion over the bye week, keeping Wilson in check is going to be a huge factor in whether Minnesota can come out of Seattle with a win or not. Two weeks to make adjustments should help, but it won’t stop Wilson from getting his on Monday.