The first day of NFL playoff action in 2016 is in the books, with the Chiefs defeating the Texans (REPORT) and the Steelers emerging victorious over the Bengals (REPORT).

The third playoff game will take place later today in Minneapolis when the back-to-back NFC Champion Seattle Seahawks take on the Minnesota Vikings. In a game that is expected to be played in temperatures of around -15 degrees, this one won’t be for the faint hearted!

How They Got Here

Minnesota

A week 17 victory at Lambeau Field over the Green Bay Packers was enough to give the Vikings the NFC North title, as they finished with an 11-5 record, enough to make them the third seed in the NFL.

Seattle

The Seahawks were never really in the race to win the NFC West as Arizona led the way, finishing 13-3. Seattle ended the season at 10-6 and ended up as the sixth seed due to losing the tie-breaker with Green Bay after suffering defeat at Lambeau early in the season.

Injury News

The major injury news comes from Seattle, as Marshawn Lynch did not make the trip to Minnesota. Tight End Luke Willson will also miss the game due to a concussion. For the Vikings, they’ve gotten most of their injured players back, although defensive tackle Kenrick Ellis misses the game with an ankle injury.

Key Matchup

Seattle D-Line vs. Vikings O-Line

The Vikings aren’t built to throw the ball often, so their game plan will include a heavy, heavy dose of Adrian Peterson running the ball. Seattle will load the box and dare Minnesota to throw, so the Vikings will need to make holes for the star running back to exploit. Peterson, despite leading the league in rushing again, was hit a lot in the backfield during the regular season. If the Vikings are to win this one, that simply can’t happen here. Seattle will know if they stop Peterson, they’ll be heading to the divisional round. Brandon Mebane and Ahtyba Rubin aren’t the most well-known of Seattle’s defenders, but they have a huge role to play. Behind them, Bobby Wagner is one of the best in the business, and he’ll be there to try and stop Peterson if the back gets to the second level.

X-Factor

Tyler Lockett

The former Kansas State Wildcat has speed to burn and provides Russell Wilson with a huge deep threat. He ran a 4.40s 40-yard-dash at the combine and has displayed that quickness all season. However, I have him as my x-factor not for his receiving ability, but for his kick return prowess.

The rookie was voted as an All-Pro returner and has already taken back a punt and a kickoff in the regular season, and often gives Seattle great field position. In a game where conditions will make throwing the ball difficult, that return ability could be a huge factor.

Where? – TCF Bank Stadium, Minnesota

When? – 1:05 PM EST (6:05 PM GMT)

UK TV: Sky Sports 1 HD

Betting: Vikings (+4.5) – O/U 39.5

Prediction

The Seahawks destroyed Minnesota in the regular season game, winning 38-7. However, in that game, the Vikings were without key defensive pieces whilst Seattle had running back Thomas Rawls who was going like a train up until his late season injury.

The conditions will also be much different here, with the wind chill expected to take the temperature down to below -25 degrees. This should be a tough, rugged game, which actually suits both defenses. I think Seattle sneaks a close win, but I don’t see another blowout here.