The Minnesota Vikings seem to have unlocked the secret to winning. With an impressive seven-game win streak under their belts, they’ve surged to a 12-2 record and now hold the keys to their playoff future.

Their destiny solidified after the Detroit Lions fell to the Buffalo Bills, and a decisive victory over the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football in Week 15 only sweetened the deal. Up next, they head to the Emerald City to clash with the 8-6 Seattle Seahawks, who are neck-and-neck for the NFC West top spot, bolstered by their legendary “12th Man” fan base.

As we delve into Week 16, Vegas isn’t swayed by the Seahawks’ home-field advantage or their playoff hustle. The odds are leaning toward the Vikings, pegged as -3.5 favorites, a nod to their recent stellar performance. The Seahawks are hopeful for the return of running back Kenneth Walker III, who’s been sidelined with a calf injury, and while Zach Charbonnet has stepped up, having Walker on the field would be a game-changer.

Interestingly, Seattle might offer warmer conditions than what the Vikings have been facing, though the forecast calls for rain. Coach Kevin O’Connell, who’s not usually keen on a ground-heavy game plan, may have to reconsider if the forecast holds, allowing Aaron Jones and his crew to take the stage.

Then there’s the quarterback situation to ponder. Geno Smith suffered an injury against the Green Bay Packers in Week 15.

While his participation this coming Sunday looks promising, it remains a pivotal watch item. As the Seahawks quarterback worked through what seemed like a knee issue, the situation underscores the uncertainty surrounding Seattle’s capability to host the Vikings with all their weapons.

Casting a glance back, the Vikings opened the 2024 season with five straight wins before hitting a brief skid in October with back-to-back losses to the Lions and Rams—both within the span of just four days. Notably, they’re making another west coast trip on a compressed timeline, testing their resilience yet again.

The Vikings have already conquered Seattle’s divisional foes, Arizona and San Francisco, but stumbled against the Rams. With only three games left, a victory on Sunday is crucial for the Seahawks in order to steer their playoff fate as Week 17 approaches.

Simultaneously, the Vikings need a win to maintain pressure on the Lions—now that they both share identical records. With a showdown looming in Week 18, it could very well be a face-off for both a division crown and the prestigious No. 1 playoff seed, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the regular season.