No 12th Man? Minnesota Vikings Open as Road Favorites vs Seattle Seahawks

Kevin O'Connell, Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

It’s possible that the Minnesota Vikings have simply forgotten how to lose. They’ve now ripped off seven victories in a row to climb to 12-2 on the season. They now control their own playoff destiny, after the Detroit Lions lost to the Buffalo Bills.

Now, after dominating the Chicago Bears at home, on Monday Night Football in week 15, the Vikings will pack up for week 16 and take flight to Seattle, where they will do battle vs the 8-6 Seahawks, who are tied for first place in the NFC West, and their “The 12th Man” home field advantage.

Week 16 NFL Odds: Minnesota Vikings open as -3.5 favorites @ Seattle Seahawks

But at least for now, oddsmakers do not care that the Seattle Seahawks are at home, or that they are battling for a playoff spot. On Tuesday morning, Vegas put their money on the road Minnesota Vikings, pinning them as -3.5 favorites for week 16.

SportsbookSpreadMoneylineOver/Under
FanDuel-3.5-17643.5
DraftKings-3.5-17043
ESPN Bet-3-16543.5

Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III has been dealing with a calf injury. He’s missed the past two games. Their other running back, Zach Charbonnet, has been good in Walker’s absence. But the Seahawks are hopeful they will get their RB1 back vs the Vikings.

The weather should be warmer in Seattle Sunday, than what the Minnesota Vikings have dealt with recently, on the road. But (of course) there is rain in the forecast. We know Kevin O’Connell isn’t the biggest fan of running the football, but he may have to rely on Aaron Jones & Co more often, if that forecast holds true.

Related: Vikings WR Justin Jefferson Catches TD, Shouts Out Randy Moss on MNF

Could these early odds have anything to do with uncertainty surrounding who will be under center on Sunday? Their starting quarterback Geno Smith was injured against the Green Bay Packers, in week 15, but it sounds as if he’ll play. Nonetheless, it’s a situation to watch.

Other factors to keep in mind…

After starting the 2024 season on a five-game winning streak, the Vikings suffered through a four-day stumble, back in October, that resulted in two (quick) back-to-back losses.

First, they lost to the Lions in week 7 (Oct. 20), on a last-second field goal. Then, Sam Darnold & Co boarded a plane and flew to LA, where they fell to the Rams in week 8, just four days later, on Thursday Night Football. It’s worth noting they are again flying to the west coast, on a short week.

Related: What We Learned About the Minnesota Vikings in Convincing MNF Win Over Bears

The Vikings have already beaten Seattle’s NFC West rivals, Arizona and San Francisco, but did fall to the Rams, as mentioned earlier. With just three games remaining this season, the Seahawks need to win on Sunday, if they want to control their own playoff destiny, come week 17.

Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings need a win to keep up their pressure on the Detroit Lions, now that both teams have the same record. These two NFC North rivals meet in week 18. It’s very possible that both the division title and a No. 1 playoff seed could on the line, which would make for one of the most important regular season finales in division history.

Mentioned in this article:

More About: