Seattle Seahawks (5-3 SU, 3-5 ATS, 3-5 O/U) at Arizona Cardinals (4-4 SU, 2-6 ATS, 2-6 O/U)
When and Where: Thursday, Nov. 9, University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Az., 8:25pmET
Line: Seattle -6
Total: 42.5
Seattle is coming off a disappointing 17-14 loss at home against Washington when they allowed the game-winning touchdown with under a minute left. They’ll take on an Arizona team that just lost Carson Palmer to a broken arm, but still managed to beat San Francisco, 20-10 on the road with Drew Stanton at quarterback.
Ugly weather, ugly result
Seattle came into their game against Washington undefeated at home. But they struggled in two of their wins, beating San Francisco 12-9 on Sept. 17 and Houston, 41-38 on Oct. 29. Their defense showed some holes against Houston and with safety Earl Thomas out due to a hamstring injury, the secondary issues struck again. The Seahawks, who were down 7-2 at the half on a cold, rainy Sunday, cut the lead to 10-8 early in the fourth quarter on a 10-yard pass from Russell Wilson to Luke Wilson. But they failed to convert the two-point play. Wilson drove the team again, this team hitting Doug Baldwin for a wide open 30-yard touchdown with 1:34 left. Yet the Skins, with a patchwork offensive line, managed to move the ball downfield in 35 seconds. Kirk Cousins hit Brian Quick for 31 yards and the found Josh Doctson for 38 yards to the Seattle one-yard line. Rob Kelley rushed it in for the game-winning score.
The Seahawks actually had a chance to tie the game with a field goal but Wilson took a late sack and that was ballgame. Kicker Blair Walsh probably would have missed a long kick considering he missed three first-half field goal inside 50, including a 39-yarder. Walsh came into the game making 12 of 13 on the season. The Seahawks also committed 16 penalties for 138 yards. Wilson completed 24 of 45 for 297 yards with two TDs and two picks.
The Seahawks rank fourth in total offense (378.6ypg) but 19th in rushing offense (103.9ypg). They rank 13th in total defense (322.5ypg) and 15th against the run (109.4ypg).
No Palmer, No Johnson, No problem
Sure, Arizona beat lowly San Francisco, who traded for Jimmy Garoppolo this past week and apparently won’t play him. But any win is a good win for the Cardinals, who are playing without Palmer and star running back David Johnson (wrist), who are likely out for the season. With Johnson out, the Cardinals traded for running back Adrian Peterson, who apparently had run out of gas in New Orleans. But the Saints obviously mishandled him and Peterson still has some left in the tank. Peterson rushed 37 times for 159 yards to help the Cards get past the 49ers by 10. He didn’t score a TD but he allowed them to get in field position to score. Stanton did the rest, throwing an early touchdown pass to Jaron Brown for 3 yards and another one to tight end Jermaine Gresham for 11 yards with 11:04 left in the second quarter. Phil Dawson kicked two short field goals in the fourth quarter and that was enough to allow Arizona to hold on for the win.
The defense also did their job, holding the 49ers to 63 yards rushing. C.J. Beathard did throw for 294 yards but it took 51 attempts and 24 completions. Stanton completed 15 of 30 for 201 yards with two TDs and a pick.
Arizona averages 337.5 yards per game and 261.1 yards passing (5th). That number should go down with Stanton passing but the rushing number of 76.4 yards per game should increase. The defense has to improve as they are allowing 349.8 yards per game (24th) and 294.2 passing yards (24th).
NFL Trends:
Seattle is:
- 1-5 ATS last 6 after allowing less than 90 yards rushing in their previous game.
Arizona is:
- 15-6 ATS last 21 after allowing more than 250 yards passing in their previous game.
- Underdog is 4-0 ATS last 4 in series.
The Seahawks have a quick turnaround and that won’t allow much practice time for new LT Duane Brown, who looked rusty. Their offensive line is a mess and the secondary is not the same without Thomas. Arizona should be able to run the ball some with Peterson and cover this low-scoring game.
Pick: Arizona
I gave the total away but it’s simple. Arizona is not going to put up 30+ points against Seattle without Carson Palmer and David Johnson. But the Seahawks struggle against quality defenses because they can’t block anybody and they have no running game. Arizona is 12-3 Under their last 15 home games.