The Seahawks face their first NFC West game of the season with a trip to State Farm Stadium to play the Cardinals.
Both teams sit 1-0 after relying on defense and mistake-free play from their quarterbacks during the opening week. Seattle defeated New England 13-10 despite losing starting quarterback Sam Darnold to a glute injury. Drew Lock completed 16 of 22 passes for 187 yards and a touchdown in relief, directing the Seahawks back from a 10-point second-half deficit. Lock is expected to make his first start of the season.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba remained the central figure in Seattle's passing game, catching eight passes for 122 yards and a touchdown. The Seahawks were less consistent elsewhere, finishing with 285 total yards, converting two of 11
third downs and failing to score a touchdown on either of their red-zone possessions. Lock will benefit from the unusually long rest after the defending champs kicked off the NFL season on Wednesday Night Football, giving coach Mike Macdonald and his staff plenty of time to prepare.
The Seahawks' defense carried much of the burden in the opener. Seattle intercepted Drake Maye on each of New England's final three possessions and recorded three sacks, preventing the Patriots from scoring after they built a 10-0 lead.
Arizona opened its season with a 26-14 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers in Mike LaFleur's head coaching debut. Jacoby Brissett completed 27 of 37 passes for 277 yards and a touchdown, providing the Cardinals with steady quarterback play throughout the afternoon. Tight end Trey McBride led the receiving group with nine catches for 95 yards and a touchdown. The Cardinals also received contributions from a running game that produced 116 yards. Rookie Jeremiyah Love scored on his third NFL carry and finished with 41 yards, while Tyler Allgeier added 61 yards on a team-high 17 attempts. Seattle has won nine straight meetings in the series.
Cardinals vs Seahawks odds, moneyline, over/under
Opening lines:
- Spread: Seahawks -10
- Moneyline: Seahawks -550; Cardinals +410
- Total: 44.5
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Seahawks at Cardinals score predictions
Adam Kaufman: Seahawks 24, Cardinals 16
The defending champs pulled off an improbable win over the Patriots in their Super Bowl rematch. Sure, the Seahawks were favored, but after falling behind 10-0 in the second half and losing their starting quarterback, it looked like an uphill climb. With Drew Lock expected under center again, Seattle heads to Arizona to face a Cardinals team that just shocked the Chargers — and eliminated about one-third of the Circa Survivor field. The Cards have a dangerous offense, but they'll face a far more difficult defense this week. Just ask Drake Maye, who threw three fourth-quarter interceptions as New England watched its lead disappear. Seattle has also beaten Arizona nine straight times. If Jacoby Brissett can avoid mistakes, the Cardinals have a chance. I wouldn't bet on it.
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz: Seahawks 20, Cardinals 17
Is it a stretch to say that the defending champs might have to endure a close call against their divisional cellar-dweller? With Drew Lock being a grab bag behind center, there's less of a sense of certainty that Mike Macdonald's crew otherwise might enjoy. Arizona scored a combined 42 points in its two meetings with Seattle last season, and Mike LaFleur's creativity as a play-caller could go a long way toward at least keeping the Cardinals competitive here.
Nate Davis: Seahawks 23, Cardinals 17
Arizona had to be the surprise of Week 1, handling what is allegedly a quality Chargers team. And the Cardinals' growing nucleus of young talent might mean they're a tougher out than many (myself included) thought they'd be this season. But the Seahawks are a step up (or four) up in weight class. The reigning champs have won 11 in a row overall, nine straight in this series, and eight of nine in the desert. And even without injured QB Sam Darnold, coach Mike Macdonald will have had 11 days to make good on his vow to field a smoother-running, more dangerous squad in Week 2. I believe him.
Richard Morin: Seahawks 20, Cardinals 14
The Cardinals aren't that bad! They beat the Chargers in Week 1, shocking a lot of people. Still, they certainly aren't better than the Seahawks, who rebounded nicely against the Patriots and without starting quarterback Sam Darnold. Seattle's defense is elite, but it will be tested against a formidable Arizona ground attack. The Cardinals will break through for a couple of touchdowns, but the Seahawks will hold serve long enough for Jaxson Smith-Njigba to do what he does best —get in the end zone.
Where to watch Seahawks at Cardinals
- Matchup: Cardinals vs. Seahawks
- Date: Sept. 20
- Time: 4:25 p.m.
- Venue: State Farm Stadium
- Location: Glendale, Arizona
- TV: Fox
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Seahawks at Cardinals: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL Week 2 game
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