Tyler Lockett could be a valuable asset for Seahawks in key game

Sky Sports Action, 1.15am Monday night

Seattle's hopes of making the NFL playoffs look stronger now than they have at any point this season and they can strengthen their hand with a home win over Minnesota on Monday.

The Seahawks can only target a wildcard place with Los Angeles Rams having already clinched the NFC West title, but they are leading the race for the fifth seed with seven wins on the board and have fewer problems than most of their closest rivals.

That includes the Vikings, who have fallen off the pace set by Chicago in the NFC North, and who have come up short in their last three tests against strong sides, losing to New Orleans, Chicago and to New England last week.

In between they scored successes against divisional rivals Detroit and Green Bay, but Seattle on the road provides a sterner test for a side with only two wins (and one tie) in six away games.

The Seahawks continue to evolve as a team and their passing offence could be the key to victory against a Vikings defence who are solid against the run.

The visitors have been hit by injuries to top cornerbacks Trae Waynes, who will miss the game, and Xavier Rhodes, who is set to play but might not be in peak condition. There is a big drop-off to their back-ups and that could open up opportunities for emerging Seahawks receiver Tyler Lockett, who operates out of the slot and can prove a match-up nightmare for defenders.

The speedy Lockett has topped 50 receiving yards in nine of his 11 starts this season and has nine touchdowns, including scores in three of the last four games.

With Doug Baldwin struggling with a hip injury, Lockett could be targeted even more than usual by quarterback Russell Wilson, and he looks worth backing to record 61 or more receiving yards and a touchdown.

Seattle's three successive wins have all been against struggling teams in Green Bay, Carolina and San Francisco and they lost to LA's two playoff-calibre sides the Rams and Chargers before that, but this looks a game they could and should win at home.

Recommendations
T Lockett over 60.5 receiving yards
2pts 5-6 Sky Bet
T Lockett to score a touchdown
1pt 2-1Sky Bet

The lowdown

Venue CenturyLink Field, Seattle, Washington
Surface Artificial
Weather Cloudy, chance of rain, 7C
Vegas handicap Minnesota +3
Vegas points line 45.5

Team news
Minnesota
Cornerback Trae Waynes (concussion), wide receiver Chad Beebe (hamstring) and tight end David Morgan (knee) are out. Linebacker Eric Kendricks (ribs) is rated questionable. Cornerback Xavier Rhodes (hamstring) and wide receiver Stefon Diggs (knee) are likely to play.

Seattle
A late decision will be made on wide receiver Doug Baldwin (groin/hip). Linebacker KJ Wright (knee) and offensive lineman DJ Fluker (hamstring) are out. Running back Rashaad Penny (ankle) and full back Tre Madden (chest) are rated questionable. Running back Chris Carson (finger) should play. Linebacker Mychal Kendricks is set to return after suspension.

Key stat
Minnesota have covered the handicap on only one of their last five visits to Seattle.

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