The Arizona Cardinals aim to rebound from a narrow defeat in Minnesota as they host the Seattle Seahawks in an NFC West showdown. Here’s our preview, which includes a prediction, using the best NFL odds from the top sportsbooks.
NFL Pick: Seahawks +2.5 (+100) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Seahawks vs. Cardinals
Sunday, December 08, 2024 – 04:05 PM ET at State Farm Stadium
Seahawks Beat the Jets on the Road
Seattle secured sole possession of first place in the NFC West with a 26-21 victory over the Jets on Sunday. The game was highlighted by Leonard Williams’ 92-yard interception return, which shifted momentum decisively in the Seahawks’ favor.
Zach Charbonnet’s eight-yard touchdown run with just over five minutes left proved to be the game-winner, and Geno Smith added stability at quarterback, completing 20 of 31 passes for 206 yards and a touchdown to AJ Barner.
The Seahawks’ ground game struggled, with Kenneth Walker III managing only 49 yards on 16 carries, while Jaxon Smith-Njigba led the receiving corps with 74 yards on four catches. DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett combined for 82 yards on seven receptions.
Cardinals Fall to Vikings in a Heartbreaker
Arizona squandered a 13-point lead in a 23-22 loss to Minnesota on Sunday. Kyler Murray looked sharp for much of the game, finishing with 260 passing yards, one touchdown, and 48 rushing yards, but two fourth-quarter interceptions proved costly.
Jonathan Greenard provided a standout moment for the Vikings, forcing a late fumble on Murray and delivering a crucial in-bounds tackle that drained Arizona’s timeouts. Shaquill Griffin sealed the game with a desperation interception on the Cardinals’ final drive.
Despite strong performances from Trey McBride, who caught 12 passes for 96 yards, and Marvin Harrison Jr., who added 60 yards and a touchdown, Arizona’s offense faltered in the red zone, settling for a 9-6 halftime lead despite 228 first-half yards.
Keys to the Game
Murray’s dual-threat ability will be Arizona’s best weapon, but Seattle’s defense, led by Williams, has excelled at forcing turnovers. Murray’s two interceptions against Minnesota cost the Cardinals dearly, and the Seahawks will aim to replicate that pressure. If Murray can avoid mistakes and extend plays, Arizona’s offense will remain a threat.
Walker struggled to find a rhythm against the Jets, averaging just over three yards per carry. Arizona’s run defense has been inconsistent but has the potential to disrupt Seattle’s game plan. Establishing the run will be critical for the Seahawks to open play-action opportunities for Smith.
McBride and Harrison Jr. have become reliable targets for Murray, combining for over 150 yards against the Vikings. Seattle’s secondary, featuring Griffin, will need to limit explosive plays and force Arizona into methodical drives. If McBride and Harrison Jr. can exploit mismatches, the Cardinals could find success moving the ball.
Smith was efficient in the Seahawks’ win over the Jets but will face a Cardinals pass rush that has shown flashes of dominance. Protecting Smith will be essential for Seattle to sustain drives and avoid costly mistakes.
Both teams have leaned heavily on turnover production in recent games. The Seahawks scored on a defensive interception return last week, while the Cardinals’ loss hinged on late giveaways. Special teams could also play a role.
NFL Pick
This matchup sets up as a tightly contested game, with the Seahawks’ defense applying pressure on Murray to force key turnovers. While the Cardinals will lean on Murray’s playmaking and McBride’s reliability, Seattle’s balanced attack and ability to capitalize on short fields could keep them in the game.
NFL Pick: Seahawks +2.5 (+100) at Bet365
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