2021 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 3

Seattle Seahawks (1-1) at Minnesota Vikings (0-2)

Sunday, September 26, 4:25PM ET

I’ll admit this was a tough one for me to decide on — my lifelong favorite team (the Minnesota Vikings) against my local team (the Seattle Seahawks). While I’d like to believe the Vikings will finally tally their first win in this one, I’m not confident that will be the case.

Why? Well for starters, it’s not going to be easy for them to slow Russell Wilson. They couldn’t keep Kyler Murray in check in Week 2, and Wilson poses a similar threat. Even if they manage to make some big stops, does the Vikings offense have enough to stay ahead in the scoring department?

I’d like to think so, but it’s questionable. Kirk Cousins has been good this season, and Dalvin Cook is among the league leaders in rushing yards. However, Cousins is due for a setback and Seattle has a defense capable of crushing an opposing quarterback’s soul. Additionally, Cook could very well be banged up after suffering numerous injuries against Arizona.

Even with home-field advantage, the Vikings aren’t going to be able to pull this one off. Then again, even if Cousins delivers and Minnesota’s defense does its job, I’m sure the kicking department will find a way to cost the Vikings the game. It’s tradition in the Twin Cities.

Prediction: Seahawks win 28-26 | Spread: Seahawks (-1)