Seattle Seahawks vs. Arizona Cardinals Odds, Spread, Preview: NFL Week 9 Predictions

By Lawrence Smelser

Seattle Seahawks vs. Arizona Cardinals Week 9 matchup preview and current betting lines

The Seahawks head to Scottsdale, AZ for a week 9 clash against their NFC West foe the Cardinals. Kickoff is set for 4:05 p.m. ET and the game is being broadcasted on Fox. 

The expectations for this season by many pundits were quite opposite for each team in this matchup. The Seahawks were expected to go into a full rebuild after dealing their long-time quarterback, Russell Wilson to the Broncos. Arizona started last season 7-0 and ultimately fell in the Wildcard round to Los Angeles. 

The team hoped to build on its playoff appearance but has a disappointing 3-5 record as the midpoint of the campaign approaches. Seattle on the other hand leads the NFC West with a 5-3 record and its quarterback, Geno Smith, has outperformed his predecessor Wilson, who has struggled in Denver). The former Super Bowl winner is 3-5. 

Seattle is in the midst of a three-game winning streak with wins over the Cardinals, Chargers and Giants. The Seahawks are outscoring opponents by an average of 12 points during that span.

The Seahawks were tied with New York with 9:19 to play in the fourth quarter before Smith found Tyler Lockett for a 33-yard touchdown. A Kenneth Walker III 16-yard touchdown scamper sealed the deal 27-13, with 5:22 remaining. New York was unable to respond. 

Arizona is coming off a 36-28 loss to Minnesota. The Cardinals trailed by five heading into the fourth quarter but were only able to muster up a Matt Prater field goal. 

The current moneyline odds for this matchup on Bet365 Sportsbook are Seattle (+110) vs. Arizona (-130). Oddsmakers favor the Cardinals as 2-point favorites at -110 odds. Among the public, 79% of spread bets have been placed on the Seahawks to cover and 63% of the money is on them to win straight up. 

Players to watch in the Seahawks vs. Cardinals contest

Seahawks

Tyler Lockett: The 30-year-old speedster has formed a unique connection with Geno Smith. Lockett leads the team with 531 receiving yards (14th in the league) on 46 receptions (9th). The Kansas State product has broken the plane on three occasions and is averaging 11.5 yards per catch.

Cardinals 

DeAndre Hopkins: After serving a six-game suspension for the use of a banned substance, the Pro Bowler has dominated opposing secondaries. In just two games, the former Clemson Tiger has recorded 22 receptions for 262 yards and a touchdown. Arizona will continue to lean on its WR1, especially with fellow receiver Marquise Brown out with an injury.

Our NFL bet of the week for the Seahawks vs. Cardinals

ESTNN is providing bettors with two free selections for this game.

Seattle vs. Arizona Spread: Seattle +2 @ -110

Geno Smith has quickly made Seattle faithful forget about losing Russell Wilson. Some people argue that he’s an even better quarterback and that Wilson’s Super Bowl win was earned by the legion of boom. 

Aside from leading his team to first place in the division, Smith has posted better numbers than most quarterbacks around the league. Should his stellar play continue, he’ll likely earn a trip to the Pro Bowl. The stats below show just how well he’s played compared to other quarterbacks including Wilson.

Geno Smith Stats:

Passing yards: 1,924 (9th in the NFL)

Passing touchdowns: 13 (Tied for 5th)

Interceptions: 3 (T-5th)

Quarterback rating: 66.6 (4th)

Smith also has added 158 yards on the ground (4.5 average) and a touchdown.

Russell Wilson Stats:

Passing yards: 1,694 (16th)

Passing touchdowns: 6 (T-25th)

Interceptions: 4 (T-5th)

Quarterback rating: 35.5 (28th)

Seattle’s offense has been firing on all cylinders and is 4th in the NFL in points per game (26.3). In terms of total offense, the team ranks 12th (352.1 yards per game). The Seahawks’ offense is leading them to victory because on the other side of the ball, things haven’t been pretty. The defense is surrendering 24.9 PPG (25th) and is 377.4 YPG (27th).

Arizona’s poor record is primarily due to its average offense and poor defense. Kliff Kingsbury’s offensive unit is posting 22.8 points per contest (15th) and 347.1 yards per week (14th). On defense, the Cardinals rank third-worst in the league allowing 26.3 PPG and rank 22nd in total defense (362.4 YPG).

Former 2019 No. 1 overall pick Kyler Murray hasn’t shown strides Kingsbury would’ve hoped for. The 25-year-old is in his fourth season and has a QBR of 48.3 (19th). He leads the team in rushing with 299 yards. That has also been a problem due to starting running back, James Conner, missing time due to injury.

Seattle has scored on 44.7% of its drives in 2022-2033 — ranking them 3rd in the NFL. Arizona’s defense has allowed its opposition to score on 44.7% of drives this year— 2nd-worst in the league.

The Seahawks are 4-1 against the spread in their last five contests. The Cardinals are 0-5 against the spread in their previous five matchups when facing NFC West opponents. 

It’ll be difficult for Arizona to keep up with Seattle’s red-hot offense this weekend. The Seahawks’ defense has looked better the last three weeks and is allowing only 15 points per game during that span.

At ESTNN we believe Seattle will cover the 2-point spread. Bet365 is offering -110 spread odds for the bet on its sportsbook.

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Seahawks vs. Cardinals odds: Kenneth Walker III over 71.5 rushing yards @ -119

After Rashaad Penny went down with a season-ending ankle and fibula injury in mid-October, Seattle head coach Pete Carroll handed the reins to Kenneth Walker III. Carroll drafted Walker in the second round due to his talent as well as Penny’s age and durability issues. 

Walker has rushed for 461 yards (5.4 yards per carry) and five touchdowns despite only starting three games. The Michigan State product has eclipsed 87 yards rushing in three of his last four outings. 

In three games as the starter, Walker has received 21, 23 and 18 carries. The 22-year-old is averaging 105 yards per game throughout that span. 

Arizona doesn’t exactly have a stout rush defense. The unit is allowing 4.5 yards per attempt (17th) and 110.1 rush yards per game (13th). Against the Cardinals in week 6, Walker ran for 97 yards and a touchdown.

Our pick is to bet the over 71.5 rush yards prop on Caesars Sportsbook. The odds are currently set at -119. 

If you’re interested in learning about more prop bets for week 9, read our NFL player props page.

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