Seahawks vs. Cardinals: Expert Predictions, Picks, and Best Bets for Thursday Night Football Showdown

Seahawks Predicted to Triumph Over Cardinals in Thursday Night Showdown

Glendale, arizona – A pivotal NFC West contest is set to unfold tonight as the Seattle Seahawks face off against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Experts are leaning towards a Seattle victory, fueled by the team’s impressive recent form and the blossoming connection between quarterback Sam Darnold and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

The Stakes are High for Both Teams

Both the Seahawks and the Cardinals enter the game with identical 2-1 records, however, analysts suggest that Arizona’s early success may be deceptive. The Cardinals are currently listed as 1.5-point underdogs, a shift from their initial favorite status, with the over/under set at a conservative 43.5 points.

Seattle’s Momentum

The Seattle Seahawks have rebounded strongly after a shaky start in Week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers. They have since delivered resounding victories over the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New Orleans Saints,boasting a combined score of 75-30. This offensive surge is due in part to Sam Darnold’s increasing comfort in the Seattle system, positioning the Seahawks third in the league in yards per pass attempt.

Equally impressive is Seattle’s defensive performance, orchestrated by Head Coach Mike Macdonald. Through three games,they have not conceded more than 17 points,a testament to macdonald’s pedigree honed during his time with the Baltimore Ravens and the University of Michigan.

Arizona’s Challenges

While the arizona Cardinals have secured two wins, their path to success has been questioned. Their schedule has featured quarterbacks Spencer Rattler, Bryce Young, and Mac Jones, leading some to believe their record doesn’t accurately reflect their capabilities. Despite this, the Cardinals currently allow the third-most passing yards in the NFL.

Adding to Seattle’s advantage is their historical dominance over Arizona, having won the last seven contests between the two teams. Last season, the Seahawks outscored the Cardinals by a significant margin, holding them to a combined total of only 24 points.

Key Player Matchups and Same-Game Parlays

Analysts believe Seattle will leverage their passing game to secure victory. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is emerging as a key target for Darnold, registering over 100 receiving yards in back-to-back games, and exceeding 75 yards in both matchups against the Cardinals last year.

Several same-game parlays are gaining traction, including combinations focusing on a Seahawks win, Darnold exceeding 220.5 passing yards,and Smith-Njigba surpassing 80.5 receiving yards. Another popular wager centers around Cardinals tight end Trey McBride, who previously excelled against Seattle, and the potential for him to exceed 63.5 receiving yards tonight.

Game Details and Viewing Details

Location	State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ
Date	Thursday, September 25, 2025
Kickoff	8:15 PM ET
TV Broadcast	Amazon Prime

Did You Know? The Seahawks have a consistent record against the spread in away games, achieving a 62% return on investment in their last nine road contests.

Betting Trends

The Seahawks have proven prosperous in away games, winning seven of their last nine matches on the moneyline, representing a 62% return on investment.

NFL Betting Primer

For fans new to NFL betting, understanding key concepts like the spread, moneyline, and over/under is essential. The spread represents a point handicap, the moneyline determines the outright winner, and the over/under predicts the total combined score. Resources like NFL.com’s betting guide provide comprehensive explanations.

Will the Seahawks continue their winning streak against the Cardinals, or can Arizona pull off an upset? Share your predictions in the comments below!

Based on the provided text, what is the impact of Riq Woolen’s potential absence on the Seahawks’ defense?

Team Form & Key Stats – Seahawks (2-2) vs. Cardinals (1-3)

Heading into Week 5’s Thursday Night Football matchup, the Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals present a fascinating contrast.The Seahawks,despite a 2-2 record,have shown flashes of brilliance,particularly on offense. Geno Smith is averaging 265 passing yards per game, and DK Metcalf remains a consistent deep threat. Though, their run defense has been porous, allowing an average of 135 rushing yards per contest.

The Cardinals, conversely, are struggling. Kyler Murray‘s return hasn’t immediately sparked the offense, and their offensive line is consistently under pressure. Their 1-3 start highlights a need for improvement across the board, especially in third-down conversions (currently at 32%, ranking 28th in the NFL). Key stats to watch include:

* Seahawks: passing Yards/Game: 265, Rushing Yards Allowed/Game: 135, Turnover Differential: +1

* Cardinals: Passing Yards/Game: 210, Third Down Conversion rate: 32%, Sacks Allowed: 18

Injury Report & Impact on Gameplay (September 25, 2025)

Staying on top of the injury report is crucial for making informed NFL picks. As of September 25th, 2025:

* Seahawks: Cornerback Riq Woolen is questionable with a hamstring injury. His absence would significantly impact Seattle’s ability to contain the Cardinals’ receiving corps. Safety Jerrick Reed is out with a concussion.

* Cardinals: Wide Receiver Marquise Brown is listed as doubtful with a groin injury. This is a major blow to the Cardinals’ passing attack, placing even more pressure on Murray to find option targets. Left Tackle Paris Johnson jr. is also questionable with an ankle sprain.

thes injuries heavily influence the point spread and over/under bets. Brown’s potential absence,in particular,lowers the expected total points scored.

Expert Predictions & Analysis

Several analysts are leaning towards a Seahawks victory. ESPN’s Field Yates gives Seattle a 68% chance of winning, citing their superior offensive firepower. However, the Cardinals’ defense, while not elite, has shown the ability to generate pressure, potentially disrupting Smith’s rhythm.

Key Factors Influencing the Game:

1. Seahawks’ Run Defense: Can they contain James Conner and establish a more consistent run stop?
2. Cardinals’ Offensive Line: Will they provide enough protection for Kyler Murray against the Seahawks’ pass rush?
3. Turnover Battle: A crucial aspect,especially considering both teams have shown a propensity for turnovers.

Betting Odds & Best Bets

Here’s a breakdown of the current betting odds (as of 14:00 PST, September 25, 2025):

* Point Spread: Seahawks -7.5 (-110)

* Moneyline: Seahawks -350, Cardinals +280

* Over/under: 44.5 points (-110)

Best Bets:

* Seahawks -7.5: While the Cardinals are at home, the Seahawks are the more complete team.Covering the spread is achievable, especially if Seattle establishes an early lead.

* Under 44.5 Points: with Marquise Brown potentially out and both teams facing offensive line challenges, a lower-scoring game is anticipated.

* Geno Smith Over 250.5 Passing Yards: Expect Smith to air it out, particularly if the Cardinals focus on stopping the run.

Historical Performance – Seahawks vs. Cardinals

Historically, the Seahawks have dominated the Cardinals, holding a 24-19-1 record in regular season matchups. However, recent games have been more competitive. In their last five meetings, the Seahawks lead 3-2. Notably, the Cardinals pulled off a stunning upset in Week 11 of the 2024 season, winning 27-24 in seattle. This historical context suggests the Cardinals are capable of challenging the Seahawks, even as underdogs. Examining NFL game history is vital for informed betting.

Fantasy Football Implications

This game presents several intriguing fantasy football opportunities:

* DK Metcalf (WR, SEA): A must-start, especially with potential for deep plays.

* Kenneth Walker III (RB, SEA): Expect a heavy workload, but be mindful of the Cardinals’ potential to stack the box.

* Kyler Murray (QB, ARI): A risky start given the Seahawks’ pass rush and the potential absence of Brown.

* James Conner (RB, ARI): A solid RB2 play, particularly if the Cardinals fall behind and rely on the running game.

Prop Bets to Watch

Beyond the standard bets, consider these prop bets:

* First Touchdown Scorer: DK Metcalf (+600)

* Total Sacks: Over 3.