After defeating the Cowboys in primetime, the Cardinals will travel to Seattle to face the Seahawks, where they will look to even out the two-game series after losing to them back in Week 4.
Ahead of Week
10, here are six key things to know about Arizona’s opponent:
Where things stand
At 6-2, the Seahawks are in a three-way tie with the Eagles and Buccaneers for the top record in the NFC. Seattle is on a three-game winning streak, with their most recent win coming against the Commanders last Sunday night by the score of 38-14.
Big signing is paying dividends
After signing his three-year, $100.5 million contract this past offseason, quarterback Sam Darnold has been very good in his first season with the Seahawks. Darnold ranks in the top ten in various categories, including being No. 1 in yards per completion (13.4) and yards per attempt (9.6). Darnold has passed for 2,084 yards (7th in the NFL) and touchdowns (9th). He has benefited from his offensive line, which has been proficient in keeping him upright and giving him enough time to throw.
Centerpiece of the passing offense
Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba is enjoying a breakout season and is currently the NFL’s leader in receiving yards (948). Smith-Njigba has been a problem for opposing secondaries, posting 100 or more receiving yards in six of his eight games played.
New target for Sam Darnold
To complement Smith-Njigba, the Seahawks acquired wide receiver Rashid Shaheed from the Saints in exchange for fourth and fifth-round draft picks. Shaheed previously played under offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak in 2024 and is already familiar with the system. He brings speed and ability to stretch the field to the positional room, which will benefit Darnold, who has proven to be an efficient deep passer.
Inconsistent running game
Despite a commitment to running the football, the results in that department have been uninspiring. The Seahawks have run the ball more than any other team in the league (226 attempts), but rank 24th in rushing yards per game (103.9) and are tied for 26th in yards per carry (3.7).
Dominant defense
Head coach Mike McDonald has the Seahawks playing stiff defense, ranking near the top across multiple categories. In six of their eight games, Seattle held their opponent to 20 or fewer points. The Seahawks rank second in the league in rushing yards allowed per game (85.9) and have allowed a league-low 3.3 yards per rush attempt. Additionally, they have generated consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, ranking third in the league in sacks (27) and have multiple players with more than 20 pressures, with defensive lineman Leonard Williams leading the pack with 30.
