The Seattle Seahawks will travel to Arizona on Sunday for a pivotal NFC West clash. Currently, the Seahawks sit atop the division with a record of 7-5, following their recent victory over the Cardinals, which they won 16-6 two weeks prior. Meanwhile, the Cardinals, holding a 6-6 record, are desperate for a win after suffering two consecutive losses. The game is set to kick off at 4:05 pm EST.
Read further for the prediction of the Seahawks/Cardinals game.
Seahawks Aim for Fourth Consecutive Win
The Seattle Seahawks are on a winning streak, having secured three consecutive victories, including a thrilling 26-21 comeback win against the New York Jets last Sunday. This streak has propelled them into sole possession of first place in the NFC West as they head into Arizona.
Defensive standout Leonard Williams, a former first overall pick, showcased his skills with a record-breaking performance. He became the first player in NFL history to achieve multiple sacks, a blocked kick, and an interception return for a touchdown in a single game. His remarkable 92-yard interception return marked the longest ever by a defensive lineman. The Seahawks’ defense was particularly strong, shutting out the Jets in the second half, outscoring them 10-0 in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Geno Smith threw for 209 yards and a touchdown, while running back Zach Charbonnet scored the decisive touchdown with just five minutes remaining.
“What a crazy game,” expressed head coach Mike Macdonald. “The resilience shown by our players was incredible. We stayed focused despite the oddities of the first half.”
The Seahawks are in a strong position to sweep the season series against the Cardinals with a win. They currently rank 15th in scoring offense and 16th in total offense, with their passing game performing significantly better than their rushing attack. On defense, they rank 12th in scoring defense but face challenges against the run.
Key Injuries: Linebacker Uchenna Nwosu is out. Defensive end Leonard Williams, linebacker Ernest Jones IV, tight end Brady Russell, and offensive tackle Abraham Lucas are all questionable.
Cardinals Face Must-Win Situation
The Arizona Cardinals will be looking to turn their season around as they host the Seahawks. After losing to the Minnesota Vikings 23-22 last Sunday, the Cardinals fall behind the Seahawks in the NFC West standings.
Arizona started strong against Minnesota, building a 19-6 lead, but faltered in the final quarter. Quarterback Kyler Murray completed 31 of 45 passes for 260 yards and connected with rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. for a touchdown. However, Murray’s two fourth-quarter interceptions proved costly, especially during their final drive. Despite racking up 406 total yards, the Cardinals struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities. The defense performed well, limiting the Vikings to 273 yards and securing five sacks.
“That’s a good team over there,” acknowledged Murray. “We had a chance to finish them off, but we let it slip away.”
The Cardinals desperately need this victory to even the season series against the Seahawks after their earlier loss. They rank 17th in scoring offense and 11th in total offense. While they excel in the running game, they struggle with their passing offense and red zone efficiency. Defensively, they rank 11th in scoring defense and are effective in the red zone but need to tighten up against the pass.
Key Injuries: Cornerback Elijah Jones is out. Defensive end Darius Robinson, defensive tackle Dante Stills, and kicker Matt Prater are questionable.