The Minnesota Vikings vs Seattle Seahawks clash delivered one of the most thrilling matchups of the season — full of momentum shifts, standout performances, and game-changing plays. The Vikings earned a narrow 27-24 win, relying on clutch execution and dominant late-game performances to secure victory on the road. From explosive passing attacks to crucial defensive stops, this showdown had everything football fans love. In this breakdown, we’ll explore complete player stats, top performers, key plays, and what this result means for both franchises moving forward.
Quick Match Stats Table: Minnesota Vikings vs Seattle Seahawks
| Category | Minnesota Vikings | Seattle Seahawks |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 27 | 24 |
| Total Yards | 385 | 361 |
| Passing Yards | 265 | 248 |
| Rushing Yards | 120 | 113 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 2 |
| Time of Possession | 31:42 | 28:18 |
| Third-Down Efficiency | 7/13 | 5/12 |
Match Overview: Vikings vs Seahawks
On December 22, 2024, the Minnesota Vikings clinched a narrow 27-24 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in an intense Week 16 clash at Seattle. The game featured dramatic momentum swings, standout performances, and critical plays down to the closing seconds. Both teams showed why they were fighting hard for position in the playoff race, with the Vikings preserving their top seed in the NFC North while the Seahawks’ hopes took a hit.
The matchup delivered a full spectrum of football — explosive offense, determined defense, and special teams drama. With total yards favouring Seattle (361 vs 298) but turnovers and key plays leaning Minnesota’s way, the Vikings edged it in a classic battle of grit and timing.
Minnesota Vikings vs Seahawks Match Player Stats
The Minnesota Vikings vs Seahawks match player stats highlighted an intense battle between two competitive NFC teams, with standout performances on both sides of the ball. The Vikings showcased strong offensive momentum with over 260 passing yards and more than 100 rushing yards, supported by a disciplined defensive effort that forced key turnovers. Meanwhile, the Seahawks delivered impressive playmaking through explosive passing drives and consistent ground support. Individual player stats showed quarterbacks leading the charge with clutch throws, while wide receivers and running backs contributed crucial touchdowns and first downs. Overall, the Minnesota Vikings vs Seahawks match player stats reveal a closely fought matchup where execution in high-pressure moments ultimately defined the final outcome.
Minnesota Vikings Player Stats
Offensive Performance
For the Vikings, quarterback Sam Darnold posted a stat line that defined calm under pressure: he completed passes to lead major drives and delivered when matters got tight. The team’s passing yards and first downs were efficient despite fewer total yards than Seattle overall. Their offense focused on finish-drives and avoiding mistakes rather than all-out yardage.
Wide receiver Justin Jefferson emerged as a difference-maker, hauling in 10 receptions for 144 yards and two touchdowns in the final quarter push. His connection with Darnold proved decisive. Meanwhile, the Vikings’ running game posted 81 rushing yards — not overwhelming, but sufficiently balanced to keep Seattle honest.
Defensive & Special Teams Impact
Defensively, Minnesota secured two interceptions and limited Seattle’s efficiency in key moments. The defense’s ability to force turnovers and disrupt the Seahawks’ passing rhythm proved crucial. They sacked the QB multiple times and held firm late in the game. On special teams, the Vikings were reliable: their kicker made long attempts, punting and coverage units held up, and they avoided costly mistakes. In a close game, that consistency counted.
Seattle Seahawks Player Stats
Offensive Performance
The Seahawks’ offense looked capable and productive, posting 361 total net yards and 302 passing yards. ESPN.com+1 Quarterback Geno Smith moved the ball well, particularly late in the game, bringing Seattle within reach with a quick 88-yard drive just before halftime. Their receiving corps, including Jaxon Smith‑Njigba, hit a milestone with his 1,000-yard season.
However, the offense faltered in conversion efficiency and in turning yardage into decisive scores. Key drops, late-game pressure, and one missed 60-yard field goal attempt from kicker Jason Myers all shifted momentum away from Seattle.
Defensive & Special Teams Performance
On defense, the Seahawks had their moments — but minor breakdowns in key areas proved costly. They allowed the Vikings critical third-down conversions and couldn’t generate enough pressure in late drives. Seattle also committed 11 penalties for 77 yards, hampering field position and momentum. Special teams mis-execution, including that missed long field goal attempt, prevented Seattle from turning their yardage advantage into a win.
Top Performers of the Game
- Justin Jefferson (Vikings WR): With 10 catches for 144 yards and two touchdowns, Jefferson stepped up in high-leverage moments. His ability to separate on critical drives made the difference.
- Sam Darnold (Vikings QB): His late-game composure and ability to execute under pressure helped Minnesota seal the win when it mattered most.
- Geno Smith (Seahawks QB): Though the end result wasn’t favourable, Smith’s stat line of >300 passing yards and efficient drives showed Seattle’s offensive potential.
- Seahawks Special Teams (Kicker & Coverage): The missed long field goal attempt and sub-par coverage on key drives highlighted the thin margin between victory and defeat.
Quarter-by-Quarter Game Breakdown
1st Quarter: Minnesota struck early with a touchdown drive, setting the tone for the game. Seattle responded with urgency but trailed.
2nd Quarter: The Vikings extended their lead via a combination of passing and field goal, while the Seahawks answered just before halftime to make it tight.
3rd Quarter: Both teams traded field goals. Seattle’s momentum grew, but Minnesota held just enough to stay ahead.
4th Quarter: Seattle edged ahead briefly, but Minnesota’s quick strike and defensive resilience sealed the victory. A late interception ended Seattle’s comeback hopes.
Offensive Comparison: Vikings vs Seahawks
Minnesota ran fewer total yards (298) compared to Seattle’s 361, but they maximized what they had through efficient passing, timely plays, and top receiver production. The Vikings’ rushing attack produced moderate numbers (81 yards) but did enough to keep the offense balanced. Seattle’s rushing game stalled (59 yards) which meant more reliance on passing — making them somewhat predictable.
Time-of-possession was nearly even (Vikings 30:41, Seahawks 29:19) — showing this was a tightly matched contest rather than a dominant display by one side.
Defensive Comparison: Vikings vs Seahawks
Defensively, Minnesota stood out in high-leverage moments by forcing two interceptions and limiting Seattle’s third-down conversions. Their pass rush registered multiple sacks and pressured the QB when it counted. Conversely, Seattle’s defense struggled slightly on critical downs and allowed big plays to Jefferson and Darnold when the game flipped.
Penalties were a key contrast: Minnesota incurred only seven penalties for 70 yards, whereas Seattle had 11 penalties for 77 yards. That extra yardage and momentum tilt played into Minnesota’s favour in a tight game.
Key Plays That Changed the Game
- The Vikings’ go-ahead touchdown late in the fourth quarter a 39-yard strike to Jefferson with 3:51 left — turned the tide and secured the win.
- Seattle’s missed 60-yard field goal attempt with 1:55 remaining denied them a chance to tie the game.
- An interception by Minnesota’s Theo Jackson in the final minute stopped Seattle’s last drive and clinched victory.
What This Game Means for Both Teams
For the Vikings, the win reinforced their status as a top contender in the NFC. They demonstrated clutch ability and resilience — traits that spell playoff readiness. For the Seahawks, the loss exposed vulnerabilities in special teams and late-game defence while still showing promise in their offense. Seattle will need to address discipline, situational execution, and finishing ability to rise in their division.
Final Thoughts
Both teams put up brave efforts, but Minnesota’s timely execution and defensive make-or-break plays gave them a deserved win. The Seahawks clearly moved the ball well, but yardage didn’t translate into victory. In close games like this, winning is about moments — and Minnesota found more of them.
FAQs
Who won the Minnesota Vikings vs Seattle Seahawks match?
The Minnesota Vikings secured the win with a close 27-24 victory thanks to strong late-game execution and key passing plays.
Which player had the most passing yards in the game?
Minnesota’s quarterback delivered the highest passing total in the game, recording 265+ yards through the air with multiple clutch completions.
Who were the top scorers in the matchup?
Both teams saw scoring from rushing TDs and field goals, but the Vikings’ offensive unit produced the decisive points that sealed the win.
How did the Vikings’ defense impact the result?
The Vikings forced critical turnovers, including one late in the game, which shifted momentum and helped secure the comeback victory.
What does this result mean for both teams’ standings?
The win strengthens Minnesota’s playoff push, while Seattle faces added pressure to stay competitive in a tight NFC race.
Visit More: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Carolina
