Seattle Seahawks: 3 Bold predictions vs. Vikings, Week 13
By Samuel Teets
2. Chris Carson held below 80 yards
Since breaking out of an early-season slump in Week 4, Carson has rushed for 721 yards in the previous eight games. He has only been held below 80 rushing yards twice during that span, including against the Ravens in Week 7 and the Eagles last week. Carson is having a borderline Pro Bowl season, but he’s in for a rough outing against the Vikings.
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The Vikings boast the sixth-best run defense in the NFL, allowing 94.2 rushing yards per game. Minnesota has also held opponents to 4.1 yards per carry, which is tied for ninth, and no team has given up fewer rushing touchdowns (three) than the Vikings this season. Minnesota has only allowed two runs of 20 or more yards this season.
In short, the Vikings have an excellent run defense. While Carson is an underrated running back and Seattle is built to grind out yardage on the ground, Minnesota is extremely talented upfront. Everson Griffen, Danielle Hunter, Linval Joseph and Shamar Stephon form a wall upfront that even the best offensive lines struggle against.
Behind the defensive line, Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks create problems with their athleticism. Harrison Smith also isn’t afraid to come down from his safety position and make a hard tackle. The odds are stacked against Carson and Seattle’s running game right now.