Energy, focus needed
CARDINALS PASS OFFENSE VS. SEAHAWKS PASS DEFENSE
With wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (hamstring) ruled out for the third straight game and quarterback Kyler Murray (high ankle sprain) a game-time decision after missing the past two games, it’s not an ideal situation for the Cardinals. They’ll also once again be without starting guard Justin Pugh (calf), although backup Sean Harlow has been more the serviceable. If Arizona is forced to go with backup QB Colt McCoy, who’s been dealing with a strained pectoral, so be it. The Cardinals can still beat the Seahawks if everyone else steps up and does their job, but they’re going to need great pass blocking, some splash plays from Christian Kirk, Rondale Moore and tight end Zach Ertz to make it happen. Seattle has allowed the fourth-most passing yards in the league (275.3), is tied for the third-fewest interceptions (4) and has the second-fewest sacks (14).
Cardinals
Edge:
CARDINALS RUN OFFENSE VS. SEAHAWKS RUN DEFENSE
The Cardinals didn’t lean nearly enough on James Conner during last week’s loss to the visiting Panthers and that was something that cost them. This week, they can’t make that same mistake. With Chase Edmonds on injured reserve, they must utilize Conner like the primary running back he was at one time with the Steelers and feed him the ball 20-25 times in this game. Seattle ranks 26th against the run (125.2), so there’s reason for optimism here. It will only help if Eno Benjamin can add a little juice in the packages that have been designed for him and the offensive line, making its eighth different starting combination, can provide enough daylight on plays that need to be converted.
Cardinals
Edge:
SEAHAWKS PASS OFFENSE VS. CARDINALS PASS DEFENSE
Russell Wilson swears his surgically-repaired finger on his right passing hand isn’t bothering him, but there can be no doubt he isn’t feeling completely comfortable after returning so soon from injured reserve. The one thing that could make him feel even worse is a steady pass rush by the Cardinals, who have been able to do that against him in recent years. It’s time for Chandler Jones to play one of his best games and disrupt and pester Wilson like nobody’s business because that in itself can help lead to an Arizona win. Help from Markus Golden and a strong push forward from the defensive line will only make it easier. This is a game where the Cardinals can make it happen up front. The secondary will certainly have its hands full with star receivers DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, but if this game falls on them solely, that may be asking too much.
Edge: Cardinals
SEAHAWKS RUN OFFENSE VS. CARDINALS RUN DEFENSE
With Chris Carson heading to season-ending injured reserve, the Seahawks will have major problems trying to run the ball against Arizona and the Cardinals haven’t exactly been stalwarts in that department this season. Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph would probably be better served of focusing on the pass defense instead of stopping the run first because Seattle hasn’t proved it can really run the ball at all this season. If the Seahawks get anywhere near 100 rushing yards as a team, even if Wilson breaks a few decent runs, it will be a surprise.
Edge:
Cardinals SPECIAL TEAMS
Cardinals kicker Matt Prater would be wise not to let Seahawks kickoff returner DeeJay Dallas have any chances to make a return because there’s always a real potential for a significant runback. Arizona’s Matt Prater (14) has made twice as many field goals this season as Seattle’s Jason Myers (7) and as for the punting side of things, the Cardinals’ Andy Lee (50.8 gross average) has the bead on the Seahawks’ Michael Dickson (46.9).
Cardinals
TIPICO SPORTSBOOK ODDS: The Cardinals are 2½point favorites. The over/under is 47.5. Money line: Cardinals -130, Seahawks +105
Edge: OVERALL
The Seahawks have their backs against the wall and know they can’t afford more than one or two more losses the rest of the way to have any chance at all of making the playoffs. If the Cardinals come out with some real energy and bring it hard early in this game to set a tone, they can win this game without worry. That goes even if it’s McCoy, rather than Murray, running the offense. But the Cardinals have to play angry, hard, and disciplined to make it happen. That being said, it’s going to be a close game the way I see it.
Pick: