The NFC West takes the spotlight as the Seattle Seahawks travel to Glendale to face the Arizona Cardinals in a divisional matchup under the lights at State Farm Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:15 CST.
Recap: How They Got Here
Seattle Seahawks (2–1, 1–1 NFC West)
Seattle lost their first game but has now won their last two going into Week 4. Sam Darnold has relied on cautious, effective play to lead the offense, preventing costly errors and sustaining drives. Cooper Kupp, a seasoned target across the center of the field, is starting to establish himself, while Jaxon Smith-Njigba has developed into a featured role in his second season. Tory Horton is a rookie who brings energy as a return threat and receiver. Seattle’s defense has come alive this year, holding opponents to less than 20 points per game and created opportune pressure to gain momentum.
Arizona Cardinals (2–1, 1–0 NFC West)
Arizona has matched Seattle’s record through three weeks, finding ways to win despite inconsistency. Kyler Murray has delivered flashes of his playmaking ability, but the offense has been searching for rhythm, particularly in maximizing the impact of receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. Rookie running back Trey Benson has been thrown into the mix after James Conner’s injury and has shown potential in his expanded role. On defense, Budda Baker remains the tone-setter, while the front seven has battled to limit big plays on the ground. With a winning record early, the Cardinals have an opportunity to prove they belong in the division race.
Keys to Watch:
Darnold Downfield: Sam Darnold is a premier game manager. He is not a flashy player like many quarterbacks are trying to become in recent years. However, his limited play extending capabilities allow the Seahawks to run a methodical, successful offense that does not rely on one person to do it all. As long as Darnold stays composed and safe in the pocket, he should produce a solid showing, around 220 passing yards and 1-2 passing touchdowns.
Rookie Presence: Trey Benson and Tory Holton look to increase their roles within their respective teams, and a solid showing tonight could demonstrate that. Benson, the No. 66 overall pick from Florida State, has been thrusted into the starting role as James Conner went down with a serious ankle injury last week. If he performs, it may raise questions whether Conner should keep the starting job next season. For the Seahawks, their fifth round rookie has outperformed his draft position. He has 32 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown in his last two showings, as well as a 95-yard punt return touchdown last week against the Saints.
Where is Marv???: The Cardinals invested significant draft capital, the No. 4 overall pick, in the 2024 NFL Draft to select wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. He has not lived up to expectations until this point, but many blame the mind behind the offense, Drew Petzing. Oftentimes, Harrison is being used as a typical X receiver, meaning he lines up on the outside and primarily runs deep routes, which isn’t Kyler Murray’s passing forte. In order to unlock his full potential, Petzing needs to scheme designed targets for the teams best wideout, and giving him opportunities in the slot and intermediate routes is of high priority. Kyler Murray has not had a reliable receiver since Deandre Hopkins, which Marvin looks to step into that role.
Prediction:
In a tight divisional matchup in which the Seahawks favored by 1.5 across major sportsbooks, I expect Seattle to come out on top behind an overall good performance from both sides of the ball. The Cardinals will struggle against this improved defensive unit from Seattle. It will not be a super explosive game, but the Seahawk’s consistency will garner them a victory
Seattle covers the spread and wins, 24-17.