5 Vikings-Seahawks Storylines to Watch

[Viktor]

Here are five Vikings-Seahawks storylines to watch this week:


1. Quarterbacks playing at elite level


Vikings QB Kirk Cousins is leading the NFL in passer rating with a 114.8, which is on track to be the highest of his career. Seahawks signal caller Russell Wilson is second with a mark of 112.1. His career best for a season was 110.9 in 2018. Passer rating isn’t the only measure of quarterback play, but it has correlated to individual and team success for both players and their teams this season. Cousins has excelled when the Vikings have implemented designed movement with bootlegs, as well as play action. He has capitalized on deep shots, particularly in recent weeks to Stefon Diggs, who ranks third in the NFL among receiving qualifiers with 19.1 yards per reception. Wilson, meanwhile, has earned his reputation for being dangerous and skilled at playing on the move. The Vikings are no strangers to his Houdini-like ability to escape trouble and create a big play. Wilson was limited to 72 passing yards in last season’s game, but he rushed seven times for 61 yards, including a 40-yarder. Containing him isn’t easy to fathom or implement, but it is important.


The Vikings have racked up 1,567 rushing yards, averaging 4.6 yards per carry, and scored 14 touchdowns on the ground. The Seahawks have similar production: 1,506 yards, 4.5 average, 10 scores. A difference, however, could be the rush defense for both teams. Minnesota has allowed only 1,036 yards, 4.1 yards per carry and a league-best three touchdowns on the ground. Seattle, meanwhile has allowed 1,117, 4.5 yards per carry and 12 scores. Dalvin Cook is third in the NFL with 1,017 rushing yards and second with 1,472 yards from scrimmage. Even if Seattle shuts down the run, Cook has shown an ability to contribute in the passing game.