Dalvin Cook, Vikings
Sep 24, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (33) carries the ball during the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Home » Blog » NFC Divisional round preview: Vikings, Seahawks look for upsets

NFC Divisional round preview: Vikings, Seahawks look for upsets

Matt Verderame NFL

The Minnesota Vikings weren’t supposed to be here. They are the imposter of the group, the sixth seed that somehow beat the New Orleans Saints last weekend at the Superdome.

Of course, to follow the National Football League is to know the Vikings are no imposters. At 10-6, Minnesota racked up a few impressive victories this year behind one of the best rosters in football. The offense has Alvin Cook in the backfield, Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs on the perimeter, Kyle Rudolph in-line and Kirk Cousins under center. You could do much worse.

Then there’s the defense, led by Pro Bowl defensive end Danielle Hunter. Hunter is one of the most underrated players in the game and he and his mates had a tremendous day harassing Saints quarterback Drew Brees in Minnesota’s 26-20 overtime win over New Orleans.

Now, the Vikings get to take on the top-seeded San Francisco 49ers on Saturday afternoon at Levi’s Stadium. San Francisco is a seven-point favorite in most books, coming off the bye with a healthy defense for the first time in months. Kwon Alexander and Dee Ford are both expected to play, while the secondary is also at full strength.

It’s inarguable the 49ers are the better team. They went 13-3 and showcased the ability to dominate on offense and defense, but Minnesota has players. It also has a wave of confidence. Not a bad combination.

On Sunday, it’s the Green Bay Packers hosting the Seattle Seahawks at Lambeau Field in the late window.

Green Bay is a 4.5-point favorite in Vegas, but the Seahawks are the trendy pick around the country. Seattle handled the injury-riddled Philadelphia Eagles 17-9 last weekend and now looks for its second consecutive road win to advance for another round. Meanwhile, the Packers are trying to get to the NFC Championship Game for the first time since 2014, when, ironically, they lost to the Seahawks.

If Green Bay ‘s Smith Bros. can do a good job on pressuring Russell Wilson and keeping him from breaking the pocket, the Packers should be in good shape. While D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett are excellent weapons, the biggest weapon in Seattle’s satchel is Wilson’s ability to extend plays and buy time. Shut that off, and shut down the Seahawks.

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