Seattle Seahawks @ Minnesota Vikings - Week 3

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SEA		MIN

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

Minnesota's primary advantage has been their offense, which ranks #6 in the NFL at 398 yards per game. The quality of their passing attack has led to much of their success. The Vikings 272 yards per game through the air ranks #9-best in football this year. It's easy to see why they've done so well through the air when their offensive line has given the quarterback 2.39 seconds before feeling pressure (#5-most in football). Their wide receivers have played a big part in their offensive efficiency, completing 74.3% of the passes they've been targeted on (ranking #2). It should also be said that opposing defenses have stacked the box a massive 20.8% of the time against the Vikings in an attempt to keep their run game under control. Of course, this means fewer defenders back in coverage, which has opener up opportunities through the air for Minnesota.

When it comes to their defense, the Vikings check in at #22 in football when it comes to total yards allowed per game. Opposing air attacks have notched 255 yards per game against Minnesota this year (#15 in football). Opposing ball-carriers have ranked #23 against them with 4.59 yards per ground attempt. This Vikings defense hits their peak effectiveness when it comes to defending opposing running backs, keeping them in check at just 5.11 yards per target (#2-best in the league). Minnesota's defensive effectiveness bottoms out when it comes to defending opposing wide receivers, who have scorched them for 184 yards per game (#5-worst in the league).

Seattle's biggest weakness has been their offense, ranking #29 in the league with a mere 319 yards per game. They've failed so much on offense in large part because of their passing attack, which checks in at #5-worst in football with 220 yards per game. Perhaps because they haven't been able to move the ball through the air, defenses have been able to stack the box against them to help stop the run, bringing up an extra defender 9.2% of the time. It's tough to succeed when you don't have much time to throw, as has been the case for Seattle. Their offensive line has ranked just #23 in pass protection. Their tight ends have been particularly ineffective, being held to a paltry 38 yards per game (#6-worst in the league).

In terms of their defense, the Seahawks have ranked #30 in the league in total yards allowed per game. Opposing offenses have passed for 285 yards per game through the air against them (#28 in football). On the ground, opposing ball-carriers have ranked #5 with 4.11 yards per carry. Seattle has been most effective in shutting down opposing wide receivers, holding them to a 64.4% completion rate (#7-lowest). Seattle has been least effective in shutting down opposing running backs, giving up 72 yards per game (#1-worst).