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Seahawks at Vikings

Vikings win their conference and get to play at home. Outdoors in a polar vortex. Against twice-defending NFC champs. Seahawks have turned around a dismal start and are now playing like their former selves. Seattle is a mild-weather environment; how will they handle the extreme cold in frozen Minneapolis? A few days ago the forecast was for -12 degrees F. Dangerously cold. Looks a little better in the latest forecast:

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By now the Seahawks' winning formula is no secret. They play league's stingiest defense (17.3, fewest points allowed). They run the ball (top 3) in rush attempts. QB Wilson leads an efficient pass attack (high yards per pass, low INT, low QB sacks). In the second half, they came together and scoring went through the roof. Vikings were victims five games back, see chart below.

2015 through Week 17


But the Vikes are no slouch on defense either (18.9 points allowed per game, ranking 5th in league). Weather might help them keep the score down. If so, don't expect a repeat of the game vs Seahawks 5 weeks back. (see chart, below).

2015 through Week 17


The computer likes the Seahawk stat profile and pegs them at 3-point favorites even playing away. The gametime temperature has to be a factor and my guess is it takes something out of the mild-weather-based Seahawks. Seahawks should win, but it might be real close. Worth watching if just for the novelty. With roofed stadiums and so many southerly teams we don't get to see these old-fashioned snow and ice bowls so much anymore.

Bill Sanders for BudGoodeSports.com
dr.bill@wrsanders.com

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