Coming off a much-needed bye week, the Arizona Cardinals will travel to Lumen Field for a critical NFC West showdown with the Seattle Seahawks in a game that promises to be a playoff-caliber battle. Currently sitting at 6-4 and atop the division, the Cardinals are looking to extend their lead over the Seahawks, who are at 5-5 and in third place, just a game behind.
Arizona’s high-flying offense and stingy defense will face a stiff challenge from a Seattle team coming off a statement win over the San Francisco 49ers, where Geno Smith’s game-winning rushing touchdown capped a thrilling victory in Santa Clara. With both teams hungry for a win to solidify their postseason hopes, this matchup is shaping up to be a highly competitive, hard-fought contest that could have major implications for the NFC West race moving forward. Expect a fierce, physical battle in what promises to be a captivating primetime clash between two of the most talented teams in the division.
Seahawks Keys to Victory
To defeat the Arizona Cardinals in Week 12 of the 2024 NFL season, the Seattle Seahawks need to focus on both maintaining offensive efficiency and tightening up defensively. On offense, the Seahawks should continue to lean on their dynamic running game, which has been a strength this season. Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet need to establish control in the ground game early, helping to wear down the Cardinals’ defense and keeping Arizona’s pass rush at bay.
Geno Smith must continue to be efficient in the passing game, distributing the ball to DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and impressive sophomore axon Smith-Njigba, while also being smart with the football to avoid turnovers. Play-action should be a key element to keep the defense guessing and to exploit any potential mismatches in the secondary. The Seahawks offensive line will need to step up and win the battle in the trenches to give Smith enough time to make plays and create running lanes for the backs.
On defense, the Seahawks need to contain the Cardinals’ ever-talented quarterback, Kyler Murray. While Murray’s mobility is a threat, the Seahawks can limit his effectiveness by keeping him in the pocket and forcing him to make plays as a pure passer. Seattle’s defensive line, led by players like Derick Hall and Boye Mafe, needs to pressure Murray and collapse the pocket to prevent him from extending plays with his legs.
The secondary has been solid this year but must focus on limiting big plays and securing tackles after catch to avoid yards after contact. With Arizona’s receiving corps featuring young but dangerous players like Marvin Harrison Jr and Michael Wilson, cornerbacks like Tariq Woolen and Devon Witherspoon need to be physical at the line of scrimmage and win their matchups in coverage. If the Seahawks can control the game at the line of scrimmage on both sides, they should be able to neutralize Arizona’s offensive threats and come away with a win.
X-Factor: Jaxon Smith-Njigba
I think the Seahawks X-Factor in this game will be Jaxon-Smith Njigba. Although DK Metcalf is playing, Njigba was able to expose the 49ers defense for 110 receiving yards last week and I think he eclipses this number again but gets into the end zone this time.
Cardinals Keys to Winning
To defeat the Seattle Seahawks in Week 12, the Arizona Cardinals will need to focus on both offensive balance and defensive discipline. Offensively, the Cardinals must establish a solid running game to keep the Seahawks’ defense on its heels. James Conner and Trey Benson should be given plenty of carries to control the tempo and take pressure off the passing game.
Quarterback Kyler Murray will need to be a dual threat, making plays with both his arm and his legs. His ability to escape pressure and extend plays will be crucial, as the Seahawks’ defense can be vulnerable to mobile quarterbacks. The Cardinals should also utilize quick, short throws and screens to neutralize Seattle’s pass rush and get the ball into the hands of playmakers like Marvin Harrison Jr and Trey McBride. Red zone efficiency will be key, as settling for field goals won’t be enough against a high-powered Seattle offense led by Geno Smith.
Defensively, the Cardinals must focus on stopping Seattle’s run game early, particularly with Kenneth Walker or Zach Charbonnet, to force Geno Smith into predictable passing situations. While Smith has been solid this season, he can be pressured into mistakes, so the Cardinals’ pass rush, led by players like Dante Stills or any emerging pass rusher, will need to generate consistent pressure on him.
The secondary, particularly cornerbacks like Sean Murphy-Bunting, must keep an eye on dynamic playmakers like DK Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, while limiting big plays downfield. The Cardinals will also need to minimize penalties, which have often been a setback in games against disciplined teams like Seattle. Finally, winning the turnover battle will be crucial—if Arizona can force turnovers while protecting the football themselves, they will have a much better chance to come out on top.
X-Factor: James Conner
The Arizona Cardinals X-Factor in this game will be James Conner. Seattle has been vulnerable to opposing running backs this year and the Seahawks have been particularly weak in defending the run. I expect Conner to get into the end zone at least once.
Predictions
I believe the Seattle Seahawks will defeat the Arizona Cardinals in Week 12 and take control of first place in the NFC West due to their balanced offensive attack and strong defensive game plan. Seattle’s ability to establish a dominant running game with Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet will be crucial in wearing down the Cardinals’ defense and controlling the tempo. Geno Smith’s efficiency in the passing game, particularly with playmakers like DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, will keep the pressure on Arizona’s secondary and create big-play opportunities.
Defensively, the Seahawks have the tools to contain Kyler Murray, forcing him into a more one-dimensional passing game. By keeping Murray in the pocket and applying consistent pressure, Seattle can neutralize his ability to extend plays and create chaos. With their improved offensive line play and physical secondary, I expect the Seahawks to win the battle in the trenches and limit Arizona’s explosive playmakers. In a game that will likely come down to execution in key moments, I trust the Seahawks to rise to the occasion and take the top spot in the division.
For an in-depth breakdown of the Seahawks and Cardinals matchup checkout this YouTube video