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Watchability rankings: NFL Wildcard Weekend

By Andrew Dowdeswell

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) prepares to throw the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) prepares to throw the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 6, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) is tackled by Seattle Seahawks safety Kam Chancellor (31), linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) and linebacker K.J. Wright (50) during the third quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Seahawks defeated the Vikings 38-7. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) is tackled by Seattle Seahawks safety Kam Chancellor (31), linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) and linebacker K.J. Wright (50) during the third quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Seahawks defeated the Vikings 38-7. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Seahawks at Vikings

This will perhaps be the highest quality game on show this weekend. The Seattle Seahawks are playing lights out football and the Minnesota Vikings, under the wise direction of Mike Zimmer, are one of the most underrated teams in pro football. Both come into this fixture with huge Week 17 wins over NFC rivals, and both can boast one of the top defenses in the NFL.

The Seahawks have been utterly wonderful to watch in recent weeks. Russell Wilson has played at a level his contract demands, elevating himself to an elite level. The Week 12 win over the Steelers was one of the best games of the whole year, and displayed the Seahawks’ talent on offense, as well as their vaunted defense.

The Vikings also have played some great football in recent weeks, particularly their quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. They were imperious in victory over the Packers last Sunday night, and with some key defensive players returning in Linval Joseph, Anthony Barr and Harrison Smith, as well as the development of Eric Kendricks at linebacker, will be on top form for Sunday’s game. This will be a great watch, but it won’t be the best watch of the weekend.

Next: No. 2

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