Cardinals vs Seahawks prediction and analysis
Game Context
The Seattle Seahawks (2-1) travel to State Farm Stadium to face the Arizona Cardinals (2-1) on Thursday night. Both teams have shown flashes early in the season: Seattle’s offense has been prolific (29.3 PPG) while Arizona’s defense has held opponents to a modest 17.0 PPG. This NFC West tilt has divisional implications and shapes up as a low-to-medium scoring affair under a 43.5 total and a very narrow line (Arizona +1.5).
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Key Matchups to Watch
- Seattle passing game vs. Arizona secondary: Sam Darnold has been efficient (70.3% completion rate) and Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a hot target. Arizona’s DBs have tightened coverage at home — limiting explosive plays will be critical for Seattle.
- Kenneth Walker III vs. Cardinals front seven: Walker’s success will determine if Seattle can control the clock and shorten the game. Arizona has allowed under 17 PPG, but their red‑zone defense has been tested.
- Kyler Murray and Arizona’s tempo: Murray’s dual-threat ability creates stress for Seattle’s defense. Arizona’s offense hasn’t exploded in points (20.7 PPG), but Murray’s mobility and Trey McBride’s volume make them tough to completely shut down.
- Special teams and situational edges: Thursday games on the road have been an issue for Seattle historically, and the Cardinals have had cover success as underdogs. Turnover margin, fourth‑down decisions and late‑game kicking could swing this one.
Trends & Situational Notes
- The underdog (Arizona) has covered multiple times at State Farm lately, and Seattle hasn’t had much success in West Coast Thursday games.
- Both teams’ recent divisional games have favored lower totals; several NFC West matchups early in the season have gone under.
- Arizona’s offense has been conservative but efficient — Kyler Murray is protecting the ball (1 INT on the year) while leaning on short completions and chunk plays when available.
- Seattle’s offense can rack up points quickly but has shown variance depending on opponent strength; the 44‑13 outburst is not necessarily repeatable against a stingier defense.
What This Game Likely Looks Like
This projects as a controlled, physical divisional game rather than a shootout. Expect both defenses to emphasize limiting big plays: Seattle will try to generate tempo early with Darnold and Smith‑Njigba, while Arizona will look to keep the chains moving with Murray and the short passing game. Special teams, field position and turnovers will be elevated in importance. If Seattle’s run game stalls, they’ll be one-dimensional and that plays into Arizona’s strengths.
Final Prediction
Why I’m siding with Arizona: The Cardinals have been excellent covering as underdogs and have the situational momentum at home. Seattle’s impressive scoring has come in uneven bursts, and their Thursday-night road history on the West Coast is a mild red flag. Arizona’s defense is disciplined enough to slow Seattle’s rhythm, and Kyler Murray’s ability to create with his legs should be the tiebreaker in a close, low-scoring game.
Betting angle: With the line at Arizona +1.5, the safer play is the Cardinals on the spread (or the moneyline if you prefer the upside of a straight win). If you want to key a prop, look at a low total outcome — this game has multiple indicators pointing toward the under.
Projected score: Arizona 20, Seattle 17 (Arizona covers +1.5)
Prediction: Arizona Cardinals +1.5
