The atmosphere at U.S. Bank Stadium has been among the NFL’s best in 2024. It’s a big reason why the Minnesota Vikings are an elite 7-1 in home games this season.
The Vikings will be on the wrong side of arguably the league’s loudest crowd noise in Week 16.
Minnesota will put its seven-game winning streak on the line against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday (3:05 CST, FOX) at Lumen Field, a venue known for its “12th man.” Seattle could need its loyal fans in this one, as the Seahawks enter the week with some major question marks on the injury front.
The headliner is starting quarterback Geno Smith, who exited last Sunday night’s loss to the Green Bay Packers with a knee injury. Smith will reportedly try to practice and play this week, with Seattle’s season on the line, but how effective he can be against one of the NFL’s best defenses remains to be seen. Former Washington Commanders draft pick Sam Howelll is Seattle’s backup QB.
Starting center Olu Oluwatimi also left the Packers game early due to injuries to his knee and quad.
Can the Vikings take advantage in their quest to win out and steal the NFC North division away from the Lions? Here’s what NFL experts are saying about Sunday’s matchup in Seattle, with score predictions:
NFL picks, predictions Week 16: Vikings vs. Seahawks
- Vinnie Iyer, The Sporting News: Vikings 24, Seahawks 20
Iyer: “The Vikings have won seven consecutive games after ripping the Bears at home on Monday night. They found a power running game at the right time again with Aaron Jones — just in time to keep the Seahawks reeling up front. Sam Darnold will better protect the ball, while likely fill-in counterpart Sam Howell will have flashbacks to the heavy pressure he saw while with the Commanders.”
- Bill Bender, The Sporting News: Vikings 31, Seahawks 19
Bender: “Geno Smith (knee) left the Week 15 loss to the Packers, and if he cannot go, then Sam Howell will face the Vikings, one of eight NFL teams with 40-plus sacks. Minnesota is 3-1 ATS when favored by four points or more, and Sam Darnold continues to be the hot hand.”
- Jeremy Cluff, Arizona Republic: Vikings 24, Seahawks 17
Cluff: “This game became very important for Seattle after its loss to Green Bay. Problem is, the Vikings are a good road team and the Seahawks are just 3-5 at home this season.”
- Matt Johnson, Sportsnaut: Vikings 27, Seahawks 17
Johnson: “If the Seattle Seahawks offensive line can’t stop the Packers’ pass rush (12 QB hits and 7 sacks), Seatlte’s quarterback is in for an even longer day against the Minnesota Vikings. Sam Darnold and Justin Jefferson should also fare well, though, Seattle’s defensive line could sack Darnold a few times and force an interception but it won’t be enough.”
- Ben Rolfe, Pro Football Network: Vikings 24, Seahawks 17
Rolfe: “Per our metrics, the Vikings are the better team on offense, defense, and special teams, although they have played an easier schedule than the Seahawks. Playing in Seattle in potentially wet conditions adds a complication for a dome team, but Minnesota should have too much talent on both sides of the ball, especially with injury questions surrounding Geno Smith.”
