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Seahawks, Vikings game has major playoff implications

Seattle is fighting to maintain the top spot in the NFC Wild Card race Monday as they face the Minnesota Vikings.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson looks for the snap from center during a game against the San Francisco 49ers in the second half at CenturyLink Field. (James Snook-USA TODAY Sports)

The Seahawks face off against the Minnesota Vikings Monday night in a game with major playoff implications. Seattle hopes to maintain the top spot in the NFC Wild Card race by taking care of business Week 14 and proving they are deserving of the No. 5 seed.

A critical matchup for both teams, here are the keys to victory for Minnesota and Seattle.

Vikings’ keys to victory: The Vikings will need to put forth a solid game on the road as they fight to retain one of the NFC’s coveted Wild Card berths.

To succeed in Seattle, the Vikings need to find a way to stop quarterback Russell Wilson and the Seahawks offense, who have been on a roll the second half of the season. Vikings’ defensive end Danielle Hunter, already well into double-digit sacks this season, is just the man to do it.

Similarly, QB Kirk Cousins can’t overlook Seattle’s revamped defensive line and Frank Clark, who is hungry for a contract extension.

Seahawks’ keys to victory: The Seahawks are notoriously difficult to face on the national stage and will look to capitalize on home-field advantage.

The defense will need to put the Vikings’ passing attack on hold early, although Cousins is surprisingly effective under pressure. Seattle’s young secondary, including cornerback Shaquill Griffin, will be tested Monday night against Minnesota’s deadly receivers.

o control the game, Seattle will look to its running back rotation to put yards on the ground and set Wilson up to find his weapons. Wide receiver Doug Baldwin, who has been waiting for his break-out game but is battling a hip injury, could shine under the lights if he is active for the contest.

Matchup to watch: Vikings offensive line vs. Seahawks defensive line Seattle must find a way to exploit Minnesota’s offensive line, who currently ranks near the bottom of the league. CenturyLink Field, an intimidating venue for opposing offenses, may offer just the advantage the Seahawks needs to emerge victorious in prime time.

Who wins? The Seahawks have everything to fight for and winning the tie-breaker at home is Seattle’s next step in the playoff race. Seahawks 31-28.

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