Seahawks vs Cardinals Odds - More balance in offense leads Arizona to NFC West victory
Sportsbook players are scratching their heads over Arizona’s home woes this year, as the Cardinals have won only one of four in the desert this year. They could get a remedy this week in the form of visiting Seattle, who has yet to win on the road this year, and the Cardinals will bounce back in Glendale due to a little more balance in their offense.
Seahawks vs Cardinals odds: Cardinals -9 (Total: 47)
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Seahawks vs Cardinals odds maker breakdown: The Storyline
The Seahawks (3-5) have three wins this year, against the likes of St. Louis, Jacksonville and Detroit, and even last week’s win over the Lions wasn’t a certainty until late. The Cardinals (5-3) have now won four of their last five, including three of four away from home. With a win, Seattle can pull to within one game of the Cardinals in the NFC West. Betting Edge: Seahawks
Seahawks vs Cardinals odds maker breakdown: Offense
Matt Hasselbeck was a one-man wrecking crew against the Lions, going 39-of-51 for 329 yards, a touchdown and a pick, and a healthy Hasselbeck is one of the top 10 quarterbacks in the NFL. But the Seahawks’ running game has struggled this year, ranking 30th, and they just released former Cardinal Edgerrin James. To increase their online betting chances, the Seahawks must be a more balanced team. Or do they? The Cardinals went to the Super Bowl with no running game last year, and they’re on a roll again due to their aerial attack. Kurt Warner followed up his five-pick day against Carolina by going 22-of-32 for 261 yards and tying a career high with five scores in a 41-21 romp in Chicago. However, Arizona also had a decent day on the ground with 182 yards, and if they can get this kind of production out of their running backs more often, look out. Betting Edge: Arizona
Seahawks vs Cardinals odds maker breakdown: Defense
After allowing 17 points in the first quarter, the Seahawks held the Lions to three points the rest of the way, and Josh Wilson’s 61-yard interception return with 22 seconds left sealed the win for Seattle. The Seahawks are going on without captain Lofa Tatupu, who tore a pectoral muscle, and this will be a stiffer test than anything Detroit could have thrown at them. Still, they can take some confidence away from their showing against the Lions, picking off Detroit’s Matt Stafford five times. The Cardinals’ rush defense bounced back from an awful day against Carolina when they allowed 270 yards, but this week it was the pass defense that got shredded by Chicago’s Jay Cutler to the tune of 369 yards. What the Arizona defense needs is more consistency, because Hasselbeck is capable of a 400-yard day as well. Betting Edge: Draw
Seahawks vs Cardinals odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
Corner Ken Lucas (shoulder) played minimally against the Lions, but that could have been to save him for the Cardinals’ talented group of receivers. Also, it’ll be interesting to see how the Seattle defense holds up against an offense like Arizona’s without Tatupu (pectoral). Receiver Anquan Boldin (ankle) was held out of the Chicago game even though he said he felt fine, and linebacker Gerald Hayes (back) was also on the sideline for the Cardinals. Betting Edge: Draw
Seahawks vs Cardinals odds for total: 47
Seven of the last 10 meetings between these two have gone over the posted total, and seeing as how both have problems defending against the pass, there could be a shootout in the desert this weekend. Their last five in Arizona have all gone over the posted total. Pick: OVER 47
Seahawks vs Cardinals betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
Arizona is only 1-3 at home this year, but the Seahawks are a winless 0-3 away from home, so this may be what the doctor ordered for the Cardinals. Warner redeemed himself in a big way, and the Seahawks had only three picks before their five against the Lions. If the Cardinals can get more of the same from the running game, Arizona ends their troubles at home. STAN’S PICK: Cardinals -9
For more sports betting analysis as we head towards the NFL playoffs, check out Stan weekly in betonline.com’s the Betting Edge. Also, visit our stats section for more on the Seahawks vs Cardinals matchup. Stan Simmons is one of betonline.com's NFL experts.
