What positions do the Vikings have an edge at vs the Seahawks?

The Minnesota Vikings are looking to break a three-game losing streak in Max Brosmer's first career start. Standing in their way are the Seattle Seahawks, who are 8-3 and possess top-10 offenses and defenses.

It's easy to wonder how much different the Vikings' season would look if they retained Sam Darnold. At 4-7, their playoff chances are nearly dead in a tough NFC North and top-heavy conference. But when looking across both Minnesota and Seattle's rosters, it becomes evident that the Vikings would likely have taken a step back from their 2024 success even if Darnold had returned.

A return to the playoffs would be better than what the Vikings have endured through 11 games in 2025, though. Now, the quarterback they moved on from has a chance to deliver the Vikings' knockout punch this year.

Let's look at which team has the advantage in positional matchups.

What positions do the Vikings have an edge at vs the Seahawks?

Quarterback: Seahawks

Sam Darnold has thrown for 2,785 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions this season. He leads the league with 9.3 yards per attempt and 13.5 yards per completion. Brosmer is making his first career start, becoming the third different quarterback to start for the Vikings this season.

Running back: Seahawks

The Vikings have a strong 1-2 punch in Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason, although they have been underutilized this season. Seattle possesses their own strong pair of backs, with Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet combining for 1,286 all-purpose yards and 11 touchdowns. Walker is PFF's 2nd-ranked running back this season (89.8 grade).

Wide receiver: Vikings

Jaxon Smith-Njigba leads the NFL with 1,313 receiving yards this season, but he has almost half of Seattle's air production this season. Justin Jefferson still has 795 yards this season, and Jordan Addison (412) and Jalen Nailor (318) provide great depth. All three would have better numbers with better quarterback play, too.

Tight end: Seahawks

It's hard to determine how much of T.J. Hockenson's lack of production is because of the ACL injury he suffered in December 2023 and how much is because of the quarterback. But Hockenson has 38 receptions for 299 yards and two touchdowns, trailing Seattle tight end AJ Barner, who has caught 33 passes for 324 yards and four touchdowns. Elijah Arroyo (15 catches, 179 yards, one touchdown) has outpaced Josh Oliver (seven catches, 62 yards, two touchdowns) in TE2 production.

Offensive line: Seahawks?

If healthy, this would be a clear advantage for the Vikings. But with Christian Darrisaw and Donovan Jackson both possibly being unavailable for Sunday's game, the Seahawks get the advantage here since the Vikings can't get any sort of stability on the line this year.

Defensive line: Seahawks

Seattle has the kind of defensive line the Vikings thought they would have heading into this season. Second-year defensive tackle Byron Murphy and veteran Leonard Williams are tied for the team lead with six sacks. The Vikings are hoping to have Jonathan Greenard back, but their inconsistency inside with Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen makes it hard to give them an advantage here.

Linebacker: Vikings

Blake Cashman (PFF's 34th-ranked linebacker) hasn't been quite as effective as he was in 2024, as a hamstring injury forced him to miss four games earlier this year. But Eric Wilson (51st among linebackers) has stepped in for Ivan Pace, Jr. and has proven to be a more well-rounded and reliable linebacker next to Cashman.

Secondary: Seahawks

This one isn't really close. The Vikings only have three interceptions this season, and Byron Murphy, Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers are the only cornerbacks to play more than 100 snaps for the team this season. Theo Jackson and Josh Metellus dealt with injuries this week as well, but the Seahawks would still get the edge here. Cornerback Devon Witherspoon is PFF's 2nd-ranked cornerback this season. Rookie Nick Emmanwori provides tons of versatility, logging 139 snaps inside the box and 246 at slot cornerback.

Special teams: Seahawks

The Vikings may hold a kicking advantage, as Will Reichard has only missed two kicks all season. But the rest of Minnesota's special teams have been such a disaster that it's hard to give them an edge anymore. Myles Price had a costly muffed punt in last Sunday's loss to the Packers. Meanwhile, Seattle punt returner Tory Horton has 16 punt returns for 238 yards, returning one 95 yards for a touchdown.

Coaching: Vikings

We're going to give the Vikings the advantage here, just because of their two-year tenure edge. Kevin O'Connell can somewhat redeem himself this season if Brosmer proves to be a competent under-center. The Vikings still have Brian Flores, who may be able to dial up the type of pressure that he knows can get Darnold off his game.

This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: What positions do the Vikings have an edge at vs the Seahawks?