Most years, a Seahawks bye week creates a void in my life. Without fantasy football this year it seemed Week 9 would be spent actually being productive on the weekend. Though alas, the football gods have given us a game that we - unfortunately - have to pay attention to as Seahawk fans. Sunday's matchup between Minnesota and Saint Louis has serious implication for the Seahawks' playoff hopes.

Other than featuring the two best running backs going head-to-head in Todd Gurley and Adrian Peterson, both teams are directly in front of the Seahawks for the final wild card spot. Minnesota currently has its hands on the spot at 5-2, a game ahead of the Rams at 4-3. Atlanta as of right now holds the fifth seed at 6-2 and plays San Fransico and Blaine Gabbert Sunday. So basically they're already 7-2.

It should be an interesting matchup, as both teams are practically identical. Niether are higher than 30th in the league in passing, and both are in the top five in rushing, with St. Louis averaging only one more yard per game. Both teams also feature top five defenses, with the Vikings barely faring better allowing .5 points less, good for second in the NFL.

It's too bad both can't lose, helping the Seahawks even more. Though obviously if you have to root for anyone it has to be Minnesota, hoping that they can push the Rams into a tie with the Seahawks for second in the NFC West.

And with a game against both teams left on the dockett, 12's and the 'Hawks should be paying close attention, looking for an edge.

Image: Flickr/Mike Morbeck