NFL Preseason Preview: Vikings vs. Seahawks Game Predictions

Written by Jake Thompson
Saturday, 20 August 2011 02:03

It’s time to make predictions on the score in our NFL preseason preview of the game between the Vikings and the Seahawks.

Saturday’s NFL Network-televised tilt between the Seattle Seahawks and the Minnesota Vikings should be a good one, and our final score predictions will help you figure out the correct wager to make.  Online sportsbooks have the NFL preseason odds favoring the home-team Seahawks at -3 on the point spread with a total set at 36 points.  Let’s preview what both squads are likely to do in the 10:00 PM ET NFC clash between the Vikings and the Seahawks.

The starters for both of these teams should play at least the 1st quarter in this game.  Minnesota quarterback Donovan McNabb and Seattle quarterback Tavaris Jackson are both new to their respective teams and will need time to get acclimated to their new teammates and plays.  Jackson showed no pocket presence in Seattle’s 24-17 win over the San Diego Chargers in week 1 of the preseason, while McNabb was efficient but a bit tentative in Minnesota’s 3-10 loss to the Tennessee Titans.  I’ll give the first quarter edge to McNabb and his veteran leadership.

When the starters leave is when the Vikings vs. Seahawks game starts to get really interesting.  Minnesota backup quarterbacks Christian Ponder and Joe Webb performed well but both are young and lack experience.  Seattle backups Josh Portis and Charlie Whitehurst were terrific and they shouldn’t have many problems moving the ball in the later stages of the game.   All of the backup quarterbacks mentioned have reasons to move the ball and not turn this into a glorified scrimmage, and I expect to see quite a bit of 2nd half scoring.

New Minnesota coach Leslie Frazier is 0-1 over his career in the NFL preseason and there really isn’t much we can read from him after such a short time in charge.  Seattle coach Pete Carroll is 2-3 in the preseason but both career wins came during week 1.  I don’t really see any edges we can get from these records and we’ll have to look elsewhere to properly handicap this preseason game.

Although McNabb is the better quarterback, Jackson has more experience in the offense because he ran the same thing during his time in Minnesota.  I think the backup quarterbacks will be able to put points on the board and am not entirely sure which group of reserves has the better chance of success.  Ultimately, the best bet here has to be on the final score going over the total of 36 as both teams put up points in the later stages.

Vikings vs. Seahawks Final Score Predictions:

Minnesota Vikings 20

Seattle Seahawks 24