As the Seahawks prepared to face the Vikings, they were buoyed by the return of several key players from injury. Quarterback Geno Smith, who had been dealing with a knee injury, was able to practice fully and took the field on Sunday. Running back Kenneth Walker III also made his return after missing two games due to a calf injury. Meanwhile, the Vikings were without safety Harrison Smith, who was inactive due to a foot injury, but they managed to field a strong lineup with Sam Darnold leading the offense. The presence of these players was crucial for both teams as they vied for playoff positioning [2].

The Minnesota Vikings showcased resilience and determination in their comeback victory against the Seahawks. Trailing late in the fourth quarter, Sam Darnold orchestrated a decisive drive, culminating in a 39-yard touchdown pass to Justin Jefferson with just under four minutes remaining. Jefferson's acrobatic catch between two defenders propelled the Vikings to a 27-24 lead. Darnold's performance was remarkable, completing 22 of 35 passes for 246 yards and three touchdowns without any turnovers. His connection with Jefferson proved vital, as the star receiver finished with 10 catches for 144 yards and two touchdowns [3].

The Vikings' defense played a pivotal role in their victory over the Seahawks, with standout performances from players like Theo Jackson and Andrew Van Ginkel. Jackson's interception in the final minutes sealed the win for Minnesota, while Van Ginkel recorded two sacks, bringing his season total to 11. The victory keeps the Vikings tied with the Detroit Lions at the top of the NFC North, each holding a 13-2 record. With two games left in the regular season, the Vikings remain in contention for the top seed in the NFC and a first-round playoff bye [4].