Sunday’s NFC Wild Card Game between the Seattle Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings features two teams that were red-hot down the stretch, but TCF Bank Stadium will be anything but this weekend.
The weather for Sunday’s game has been one of the main topics throughout the week, as temperatures are expected to reach a high of 1 degree. And once you factor in wind chill, the Seahawks and Vikings likely are in store for one of the coldest games in NFL history.
Seahawks Player To Watch: Russell Wilson, Quarterback
We originally went with Marshawn Lynch after all signs pointed toward him returning for the wild-card round, but he reportedly was downgraded to out, according to ESPN’s Sheil Kapadia.
Regardless of whether or not Lynch played, though, Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson also was important to watch. And now he becomes that much more crucial for Seattle’s offensive attack in the frigid cold weather. Wilson has been on fire lately, throwing for 24 touchdowns and only one interception over his past five games.
Vikings Player To Watch: Adrian Peterson, Running Back
While Seattle has some doubts at running back, Minnesota knows it likely can rely on Peterson this weekend. AP, a unanimous All-Pro, didn’t participate in practice Wednesday or Thursday with a lower-back injury, but he participated fully Friday and is probable for Sunday.
Peterson had an incredible season for the Vikings, rushing for 1,485 yards on 327 attempts with 11 touchdowns. The Seahawks held Peterson to 18 yards on 10 carries in their Week 13 win, and if the Vikings want to advance to the divisional round, they likely will need more than that from AP. Plus, a strong afternoon from Peterson would take pressure off quarterback Teddy Bridgewater in the freezing cold.
How To Watch
When: Sunday, Jan. 10, 1:05 p.m. ET
TV: NBC
Live Stream: NBC Sports Live Extra
Thumbnail photo via Brace Hemmelgarn/USA TODAY Sports Images
