QB Kirk Cousins
The Vikings quarterback is in the best stretch of his career, as he has helped Minnesota to six wins in seven games heading into December. Since Week 5, Cousins has completed 162 of 221 passes (73.3 percent) for 2,020 yards with 18 touchdowns and just one interception. His passer rating over the past seven games is 126.5. He will need to be at his best against the Seahawks in a hostile road environment on Monday Night Football. All eyes will be on the quarterbacks, as the prime-time game features a battle between the league's top two quarterbacks in terms of passer rating. Cousins leads the league at 114.8, while Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson's passer rating is 112.1.
RB Dalvin Cook
Cook has put together a stellar season through 11 games, as the Vikings running back ranks third in the NFL with 1,017 rushing yards and is second with 11 rushing touchdowns. He has eclipsed 95 rushing yards in seven of 11 games and has also made his mark known on national television. In two games in prime time against Washington and Dallas, Cook has racked up 354 total yards on just 61 touches (5.80 yards per touch) along with two rushing scores. Minnesota has relied on Cook's playmaking ability all season, and will likely need it against one of the NFC's top teams.
DE Danielle Hunter
Hunter has just 0.5 sacks in his past three games, but don't be fooled by those numbers. The Vikings defensive end is among the league leaders in QB pressures and is constantly harassing the opposing quarterback. He'll have a large task in front of him Monday by trying to get to Wilson, who is among the league's most elusive players. But if he can get to Wilson a time or two, that could swing the momentum of the game — and also put Hunter in elite company. The former third-round pick currently has 48.5 career sacks. If he gets 1.5 sacks Monday, he will become the youngest player in NFL history to reach 50 career sacks.
LB Eric Kendricks
Kendricks is in the midst of a Pro Bowl season, as the ultra-athletic linebacker has done it all for the Vikings defense. Kendricks has 12 pass breakups, which leads all NFL players at his position and is tied for the single-season franchise record among linebackers. He also leads the team with 103 total tackles according to coaches' stats, meaning the 2015 second-round pick is on pace to lead the Vikings in tackles for the fifth straight season. Kendricks will also be asked with keeping an eye on Wilson and stepping up against a Seattle rushing attack that is tied for sixth with 136.9 rushing yards per game.
