Minnesota Vikings (13-4 last year) vs Seattle Seahawks (9-8 last season)
Minnesota Vikings vs Seattle Seahawks 8/10/2023 – Although the Minnesota Vikings didn’t have the finest summer in terms of player retention, the team has high hopes of repeating as NFC North champions, especially with Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson on board. In case you were unaware, Aaron Rodgers departed Green Bay; hence, Minnesota will be eager to duplicate its 13-4 regular season record from the previous year. If the Vikings want to secure the NFC North title once more in 2023, they will have to navigate the challenge without a few well-known players. Strategic NFL free picks could play a crucial role in filling these gaps and bolstering the team’s chances of reclaiming the divisional crown.
The Seahawks dealt Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos over the offseason. Head coach Pete Carroll shocked many by putting his faith in 32-year-old Geno Smith to manage the squad even though Smith hasn’t started an NFL game since 2014. Smith went on to have a stellar year in which he threw for 4,282 yards and 30 passing touchdowns, earning him the title of NFL Comeback Player of the Year. He guided the squad to a surprise 9-8 record and a playoff spot until the San Francisco 49ers defeated Seattle in the wild-card round.
Vikings vs. Seahawks Game Info
| When: | Thursday, August 10, 2023 10:00 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Lumen Field, WA |
| TV: | FOX 9 and NFL Network |
| Stream: | MLB.TV |
Minnesota RB Mattison vs Seattle RB Walker
Running back Alexander Mattison, a fifth-year player, is expected to replace Cook as the team’s primary ball carrier. Although the former third-round draft pick out of Boise State never exceeded 134 carries and 491 yards in a season, he has a high upside in his first starting role. With the 23rd overall pick this year, the Vikings chose USC wide receiver Jordan Addison to take Thielen’s place.
Josh Oliver, a tight end, was also signed by Minnesota this offseason to a three-year, $21 million contract. It is logical to assume that Mattison and Addison will be driven to win in any preseason action. But it’s also reasonable to assume that the reserves will greatly impact the outcomes of exhibition games.
It’s possible that the starting running back Kenneth Walker III won’t get much action on Thursday, which might offer second-round selection Zach Charbonnet an opportunity to show off his flexibility in the backfield in his debut game as a professional. Seattle’s wide receiver position should again be strong this season with D.K. Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and newcomer Jaxon Smith-Njigba in the mix.
Although the Seahawks‘ defense last season was mediocre, they made some additions this offseason. Veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner joined the Rams for one season before returning. Defensive lineman Dre’Mont Jones, Jarran Reed, and Julian Love were also signed.
NFL Odds/Point Spread: Minnesota Vikings +5, Total Odds: 35
In their previous seven games versus Seattle on the road, the Minnesota Vikings are 1-6 SU. The total was higher in four of Minnesota’s last five games against opponents from the National Football Conference. The total was higher in four of Minnesota’s last six games against National Football Conference West opponents. The Minnesota Vikings are 1-6 ATS in their previous seven August games. In their previous five games against opponents from the National Football Conference, the Seattle Seahawks are 0-5 ATS. In their previous six games versus opponents from the National Football Conference North, the Seattle Seahawks have a 2-4 SU record. The total was under in six of Seattle’s final eight August games. The total stayed under six of Seattle’s last seven matches on Thursday.
Minnesota Vikings Betting Trends
The Minnesota Vikings had a 1-5 ATS record in their last six games.
In seven of Minnesota’s past eight games, the total was exceeded.
In their previous 16 games, the Minnesota Vikings have a 12-4 SU record.
In their previous 12 games versus Seattle, Minnesota has a 4-8 SU record.
In their previous seven games on the road, the Vikings went 5-2 SU.
Seattle Seahawks Betting Trends
The Seattle Seahawks have a 1-8 ATS record in their previous nine games.
Four of Seattle’s previous five games had a total fall below.
The Seattle Seahawks have a 3-6 SU record in their previous nine games.
The total was under in six of Seattle’s past nine games versus Minnesota.
The Seattle Seahawks have a 1-4 ATS record in their previous five home games.
In their previous seven home games versus Minnesota, Seattle is 6-1 SU.
Minnesota Vikings vs Seattle Seahawks 8/10/2023 Betting Picks
The Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson duo are still together, but the Minnesota Vikings will need to replace several supporting players coming season. In this context, it’s unlikely that Cousins and Jefferson will get much action in this contest, and it will take some time for the rest of Minnesota’s team to gel. Meanwhile, Seattle’s seasoned backup quarterback Drew Lock has a chance to start games in this league. If Lock gets some playing time on Thursday, the Seahawks, armed with their experience, should have a significant advantage at quarterback. For those looking for insights, considering free sports picks could provide valuable perspectives on the upcoming matchups.
Holton Ahlers, a four-year starter with a powerful arm and a lot of success at East Carolina, is the one to pick even if this game does come down to the rookie quarterbacks. Further investigation finds that in games decided by eight points or less last season, the Vikings enjoyed an astounding 11-0 record. There will undoubtedly be some regression from that point going forward. Seattle’s bolstered defense ought to be able to limit Minnesota to start the preseason.
Free Pick and Prediction: Seattle Seahawks will win 21-14