Cardinals vs. Seahawks NFL Week 12 Picks: Expect Fireworks in NFC West Showdown
- Eduardo Solano
- November 19, 2024
NFL Pick: Over 47.5 (-110) at BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
First place in the NFC West will be on the line when the Arizona Cardinals visit the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. Let’s analyze the current NFL odds available at the top-rated sportsbooks and go over all you need to know about this game.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. Seattle Seahawks
Sunday, November 24, 2024 – 04:25 PM ET at Lumen Field
Arizona Crushed New York
The Arizona Cardinals extended their winning streak to four games with a commanding 31-6 victory over the New York Jets on November 10. Kyler Murray led the charge, passing for 266 yards and a touchdown while adding two rushing scores in a performance that dismantled the Jets’ second-ranked pass defense.
Arizona wasted no time, scoring touchdowns on four of their first five drives and never relinquishing control.
Murray was nearly flawless, completing 22 of 24 passes, including a franchise-record 17 straight completions. He distributed the ball effectively to multiple playmakers, including James Conner, Trey McBride, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Michael Wilson. In addition to his passing, Murray chipped in 21 rushing yards.
Conner contributed five receptions for 80 yards, while Harrison Jr. hauled in his sixth touchdown of his rookie campaign. Defensively, the Cardinals were dominant, holding their opponent without a touchdown for the third consecutive home game.
The Cardinals built a commanding 24-6 halftime lead, outgaining the Jets 239-85 in total yards through two quarters. Murray was exceptional in the first half, completing 17 of 19 passes for 199 yards. Kicker Chad Ryland added a 37-yard field goal as the first half ended, solidifying the team’s momentum.
Seattle Stunned San Francisco
Geno Smith delivered late-game heroics to lift the Seahawks to a 20-17 road victory over the San Francisco 49ers. With 2:38 left and the Seahawks starting at their own 20-yard line, Smith completed seven of eight passes for 65 yards to set up his game-winning 13-yard touchdown scramble against a 49ers defense missing star pass rusher Nick Bosa.
Smith finished the game completing 25 of 32 passes for 221 yards, with one interception and the decisive rushing touchdown. Jaxon Smith-Njigba led all receivers with 10 catches for 110 yards, while Kenneth Walker III added 54 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries.
The win pulled Seattle into a three-way tie for second place in the NFC West alongside San Francisco and the Rams, all sitting one game behind Arizona.
Key Matchups
This game will hinge on whether Arizona’s high-octane offense can continue its dominance or if Seattle’s late-game resilience can push them over the edge.
Kyler Murray vs. Seattle’s Defense
Murray has been nearly unstoppable, completing 91.7% of his passes against the Jets and setting a franchise record for consecutive completions. His ability to spread the ball to multiple playmakers, including Conner and Harrison Jr., will test Seattle’s secondary.
Seattle’s defense struggled to contain San Francisco’s late-game drives, raising concerns about their ability to stop a quarterback as dynamic as Murray. If Seattle cannot pressure Murray consistently, his dual-threat ability could carve up their defense.
Arizona’s Passing Attack vs. Seattle’s Secondary
With Murray’s accuracy and Conner’s presence as a receiving threat out of the backfield, Arizona’s passing game has been a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Conner’s 80 yards receiving against the Jets highlight his versatility, while Harrison Jr. adds a deep-ball element that forces defenses to stay honest. Seattle will need to rely on disciplined coverage and limit big plays to stay competitive.
Geno Smith vs. Arizona’s Pass Rush
Smith’s calm under pressure was evident in Seattle’s win over the 49ers, where he engineered a game-winning drive. However, Arizona’s defense has been stellar at home, not allowing a touchdown in three consecutive games.
Smith must replicate last week’s efficiency while avoiding costly turnovers. Arizona’s pass rush, combined with their ability to contain mobile quarterbacks, could spell trouble for Smith if Seattle’s offensive line falters.
Kenneth Walker III vs. Arizona’s Run Defense
Walker’s ability to grind out tough yards (54 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries last week) will be key for Seattle to control the clock and keep Arizona’s explosive offense off the field. Arizona’s run defense has been overshadowed by their pass rush, making this an area where Seattle could find success if they can establish consistency.
Special Teams and Turnovers
Both teams will need to play clean football to come out on top. Arizona’s defense thrives on capitalizing on mistakes, while Seattle’s opportunistic offense could exploit any lapses in concentration. Field position and kicking accuracy will play a significant role in what is expected to be a tight contest.
The Pick
This matchup has all the makings of a divisional thriller, with both teams showcasing strengths that could exploit the other’s weaknesses. Arizona’s offensive efficiency and Murray’s ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground give the Cardinals a slight edge, especially against a Seattle defense that has shown vulnerabilities late in games.
However, the Seahawks’ balance on offense and knack for delivering in clutch moments can keep them in it until the final whistle of a high-scoring game. I will take the Over.
NFL Pick: Over 47.5 (-110) at BetOnline
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.