Seahawks, Cardinals Clash in Key NFC West Showdown: DFS Picks for Week 4
Table of Contents
- 1. Seahawks, Cardinals Clash in Key NFC West Showdown: DFS Picks for Week 4
- 2. Key Players to Watch for Daily Fantasy Success
- 3. Jaxon Smith-Njigba: Seattle’s Receiving Star
- 4. Sam Darnold: Cardinals’ resurgent Quarterback
- 5. Trey Benson: Arizona’s New Lead Back
- 6. Tory Horton: Seattle’s Versatile Rookie
- 7. Emari Demarcado: Cardinals’ RB2
- 8. Elijah higgins: Tight End Potential
- 9. Understanding Daily Fantasy sports (DFS)
- 10. Frequently Asked Questions
- 11. What are the primary factors influencing Geno Smith’s potential DFS scoring ceiling in this matchup?
- 12. Optimal DFS Draft Strategy: Seattle Seahawks vs. Arizona Cardinals in Week 4
- 13. Understanding the Matchup & DFS Landscape
- 14. Key Players & Salary Ranges (as of Sept 26, 2025)
- 15. Game Script & Projected Ownership
- 16. Optimal Lineup Construction – GPP strategy
- 17. Optimal Lineup Construction – Cash Game Strategy
Seattle and Arizona will face off this Thursday in a pivotal NFC West matchup, both teams entering with 2-1 records. The Seahawks are favored by 1.5 points, with the over/under set at 43.5. A loss for either team could prove costly in a competitive division where all squads currently hold winning records.
Key Players to Watch for Daily Fantasy Success
The Thursday night slate presents a unique chance for Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) players. Several athletes are positioned for significant output, offering strong value for strategic lineups. Here’s a breakdown of players to consider:
Jaxon Smith-Njigba: Seattle’s Receiving Star
Jaxon Smith-Njigba has rapidly established himself as a central figure in the Seahawks’ offence, securing 22 receptions for 323 yards and a touchdown in just three games. he currently ranks among the league leaders in receptions, receiving yards, and yards per route run, commanding an impressive 40.28% target share – the highest in the NFL.Seattle’s offensive line has provided consistent protection for quarterback Sam Darnold, enabling him to connect with Smith-Njigba effectively.That trend is likely to continue against a Cardinals defense that has struggled to generate consistent pressure.
Smith-Njigba is averaging 17.9 fantasy points per game on FanDuel and represents a worthwhile investment despite his premium price point.
Sam Darnold: Cardinals’ resurgent Quarterback
Protecting Sam Darnold has been key to the Cardinals’ offensive success. Last week’s 44-13 victory over the Saints saw darnold complete 14 of 18 passes for 218 yards and two touchdowns. His remarkably low sack rate of 3.85% – one of the best in the NFL – has contributed to a 54.43% success rate. with reliable targets like Cooper Kupp, Kenneth Walker, and Smith-Njigba, Darnold has the tools to replicate his success against the Seahawks. Consider him for a captain’s spot in your lineup.
Trey Benson: Arizona’s New Lead Back
Following a season-ending ankle injury to James Conner, Trey Benson is poised to assume the role of starting running back for the Cardinals. The second-year player out of Florida State has demonstrated efficiency when given opportunities, averaging 6.0 yards per carry on 21 attempts. Adding eight receptions through two games, Benson presents a dual-threat capability that could quickly make him a focal point of the Arizona attack. He offers significant value, particularly in a captain’s role.
Tory Horton: Seattle’s Versatile Rookie
Rookie Tory Horton has made a notable impact for Seattle, contributing on both offense and special teams. He has scored a receiving touchdown in consecutive weeks and, last Sunday, returned a punt 95 yards for a touchdown.Horton’s versatility makes him a potential game-changer and a valuable addition as a budget-friendly option for your DFS lineup.
Emari Demarcado: Cardinals’ RB2
With Benson taking over as the primary ball carrier, Emari demarcado is expected to see an increased role as the Cardinals’ RB2. Although he has limited carries this season, Demarcado has proven reliable when called upon in previous seasons, offering a potential value play given his low price.
Elijah higgins: Tight End Potential
Seattle has allowed a league-leading 50 fantasy points to tight ends on FanDuel this season. While Elijah Higgins has only four receptions for 55 yards to date, this vulnerability presents an opportunity for him to exceed expectations, making him a low-cost player worth considering.
| Player | Team | Position | FanDuel Price (FLEX) | FanDuel Price (CPT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jaxon Smith-Njigba | Seahawks | WR | $13,000 | $19,500 |
| sam Darnold | Cardinals | QB | $13,000 | $18,000 |
| Trey Benson | Cardinals | RB | $13,800 | $9,200 |
| Tory Horton | Seahawks | WR | $5,400 | $8,100 |
| Emari Demarcado | Cardinals | RB | $4,200 | $6,300 |
| Elijah Higgins | Cardinals | TE | $3,200 | $4,800 |
Did you Know? James Conner’s injury considerably alters the Cardinals’ offensive dynamic, opening up a major opportunity for Trey Benson to lead the backfield.
Pro Tip: When constructing your DFS lineups, consider the potential for positive game script. If the Seahawks build an early lead, Arizona might be forced to abandon the run, potentially increasing Darnold’s passing volume.
Who do you think will have the biggest impact on Thursday night-Smith-Njigba, Darnold, or the newly elevated Benson? How will Conner’s absence affect the Cardinals’ overall strategy?
Understanding Daily Fantasy sports (DFS)
Daily Fantasy Sports allow fans to create virtual teams based on real-world athletes and compete for prizes based on those athletes’ performance in actual games. unlike traditional season-long fantasy leagues, DFS offers a fast-paced, skill-based experience with numerous contest formats. Prosperous DFS players rely on in-depth research, statistical analysis, and a keen understanding of player matchups and game conditions. The core of DFS revolves around building a team within a salary cap, strategically selecting players expected to exceed their value based on their price.
The availability of player data and analytical tools has dramatically increased in recent years, leveling the playing field for both casual and experienced DFS participants.Understanding key metrics, such as target share, snap counts, and red-zone opportunities, is crucial for identifying players with high upside.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best strategy for DFS on Thursday Night Football? Prioritize players in favorable matchups and consider game script.
- Is Jaxon Smith-Njigba worth his high FanDuel price? His high target share and consistent production suggest he’s a strong value, despite the cost.
- How will James Conner’s injury impact the Cardinals’ offense? Trey Benson is expected to step into a lead role, potentially becoming a focal point.
- What are some good budget-friendly options for this matchup? Tory Horton and elijah Higgins offer potential value at lower price points.
- Should I Captain a quarterback in this game? With potential for high passing volume, Sam Darnold is a viable captain option.
Share your thoughts on these picks in the comments below, and let us know who you are rostering in your DFS lineups!
What are the primary factors influencing Geno Smith’s potential DFS scoring ceiling in this matchup?
Optimal DFS Draft Strategy: Seattle Seahawks vs. Arizona Cardinals in Week 4
Understanding the Matchup & DFS Landscape
This Week 4 clash between the Seattle Seahawks and the Arizona Cardinals presents a interesting DFS (Daily Fantasy Sports) opportunity. Both teams have shown flashes of potential, but also vulnerabilities, creating a landscape ripe for exploiting value.Prosperous fantasy football lineups in GPP (Guaranteed Prize Pool) and cash game formats will hinge on identifying players poised for high-volume opportunities and potential scoring outbursts.This article dives deep into optimal DFS strategy for this matchup,focusing on player projections,salary considerations,and potential lineup builds. We’ll cover NFL DFS picks, Seahawks fantasy football, and Cardinals fantasy football specifically.
Key Players & Salary Ranges (as of Sept 26, 2025)
(Note: Salary ranges are based on typical DraftKings and FanDuel pricing and are subject to change.)
Seattle Seahawks:
* Geno Smith (QB): $7,200 – $7,800. A solid, if unspectacular, option. Volume is generally there, but ceiling is limited.
* Kenneth Walker III (RB): $7,900 – $8,500. The clear lead back, Walker offers a high floor with upside. Monitor his health closely.
* DK Metcalf (WR): $8,600 – $9,200. The primary receiving threat. Expensive, but capable of a boom week.
* Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR): $5,500 – $6,200. Increasingly involved in the offense, offering value at his price point. A strong value pick for DFS.
* Noah Fant (TE): $4,800 – $5,500. Inconsistent, but a potential red-zone target.
Arizona Cardinals:
* Kyler murray (QB): $7,500 – $8,100. Dual-threat ability provides a high ceiling, but consistency is a concern.
* James Conner (RB): $7,000 – $7,600. Workhorse back, heavily involved in both the running and passing game. A reliable DFS running back.
* Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR): $8,800 – $9,500. The Cardinals’ top receiver, commanding a significant target share.
* Michael Wilson (WR): $4,500 – $5,200. A potential deep threat, offering value if he connects on a big play.
* Zach Ertz (TE): $4,200 – $4,900. Reliable target, especially in the red zone.
Game Script & Projected Ownership
The projected game script favors a slightly higher-scoring affair. The Seahawks are favored by 3.5 points, suggesting they’ll likely be leading for a portion of the game.This could lead to more rushing attempts for Kenneth Walker III.
* High Ownership: Expect high ownership on DK Metcalf,James Conner,and marvin Harrison Jr. These are the obvious plays.
* Moderate Ownership: Geno Smith and Kyler Murray will likely see moderate ownership.
* Low Ownership: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Michael Wilson, and Noah Fant could be under-owned, offering potential leverage in GPPs. Targeting these players can differentiate your fantasy football lineup.
Optimal Lineup Construction – GPP strategy
For GPPs, embrace risk and correlation. Here’s a sample approach:
- QB-WR Stack: Pair kyler Murray with Marvin Harrison Jr. This maximizes your ceiling if the Cardinals’ passing game explodes.
- RB Anchor: Kenneth Walker III provides a solid floor and potential upside.
- Value Plays: Fill out the remaining spots with undervalued players like Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Michael Wilson.
- Correlation: Consider adding Noah Fant if you believe the Seahawks will be in the red zone frequently.
Example GPP Lineup (DraftKings):
* QB: Kyler Murray ($7,700)
* RB: Kenneth Walker III ($8,200)
* WR: Marvin Harrison Jr.($9,000)
* WR: Jaxon Smith-Njigba ($5,800)
* WR: Michael Wilson ($4,700)
* TE: Noah Fant ($5,000)
* FLEX: (Defense/Special Teams – Budget Dependent)
* DST: Seattle Seahawks ($3,000)
Optimal Lineup Construction – Cash Game Strategy
Cash games prioritize a safe floor. Focus on players with high usage rates and consistent production.
- Workhorse RB: James Conner is a must-play in cash games due to his volume.
- Target Hog WR: DK Metcalf will likely command a significant target share.
- Reliable QB: Geno Smith offers
