Minnesota Vikings: Studs and duds vs. Seahawks in Week 13

Stud: Kyle Rudolph

Kyle Rudolph has stepped up and helped fill in the void that has been left behind by Minnesota wide receiver Adam Thielen, who is still trying to return from a hamstring injury he suffered in the middle of the regular season schedule, over the past few weeks within the Vikings offense.

While providing quarterback Kirk Cousins and the rest of the Vikings offense with a red zone threat over the last handful of weeks, Rudolph’s role within the offense has progressed as the season has continued to advance.

On Monday night against Seattle in Week 13, Rudolph once again played a large role for the Vikings and did his best to help in a late-game comeback attempt on the road. In the contest, Rudolph finished with four catches for 50 yards, adding one touchdown reception in the fourth quarter.

If and when Thielen makes his return to the field prior to the conclusion of the regular season, it will be interesting to see how Cousins and company continue to incorporate Rudolph into the flow of the passing game and if he will continue to be a red zone threat for Minnesota moving forward.

Dud: Falling on the road in a big game

Coming into the contest, Minnesota sat as the second team in the NFC Wild Card picture behind Seattle, looking to not only move into a tie with the Seahawks for that top spot in the Wild Card, but to also move into a tie with the Green Bay Packers atop the NFC North while trying to still grab the division title.

With the loss in Week 13, however, Seattle continues to jump in the NFC standings while the Vikings remain as the No. 2 team in the Wild Card picture and are now a game behind the Packers in the division.

That separation in the standings increases the likelihood of Minnesota hitting the road for the opening round of the playoffs if it is able to ultimately grab a spot in the postseason picture at the end of the regular season.