The Arizona Cardinals are in a must-win scenario in Week 9 taking on the Seattle Seahawks at home, their second matchup of the year.
Seattle has won three in a row and lead the NFC West, while the Cardinals are in last place and already lost to the Seahawks 19-9 four weeks ago.
Now set to play Sunday afternoon, it is time for some expert picks and predictions. The Cards Wire staff and Seahawks managing editor Tim Weaver give our game predictions, and we also have the predictions from the staff at AZCentral Sports, from their preview video.
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.
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Jess Root, Cards Wire
Cardinals 23, Seahawks 20
The Seahawks are definitely playing better. The Cardinals badly missed DeAndre Hopkins in the first matchup. But the Cardinals do have their backs against the wall. A loss would put them three games behind Seattle in terms of wins and losses and would also be another game behind getting swept head-to-head. Nothing about the play of both teams suggests that the Cardinals will win but I believe the urgency will be there from start to finish and they will bounce back. Cardinals 23, Seahawks 20
Tim Weaver, Seahawks Wire
Seahawks 34, Cardinals 20
It’s tough to sweep any division rivalry – especially as chaotic as this one. That said, I just think the overall momentum Seattle has going is too strong. Seahawks 34, Cardinals 20.
Alex Sutton, Cards Wire
Cardinals 30, Seahawks 23
This has to be a win for the Cardinals. I don’t see Geno Smith and the Seahawks sweeping their division rival, winning twice in less than a month. The Cardinals offense appears somewhat back to form, which bodes well for their chances in this one. I like the Cards to keep their slight playoff hopes alive.
Bob McManaman, AZCentral Sports
Cardinals 27, Seahawks 23
I don’t know why I’m doing it because I’ve been wrong a lot this year. The Cardinals are going to win this game by four.
Jose Romero, AZCentral Sports
Cardinals win by 3
I think the Seahawks have been playing on such a high lately. It’s bound to catch up to them at some point and I think the Cardinals defense proved it can hang with them. The Cardinals are going to need another great performance from the defense. Low-scoring game, Cardinals by three.
Kent Somers, AZCentral Sports
Cardinals 24, Seahawks 23
I can’t believe I’m doing this after watching the team. I went back and looked. Thirteen of Kyler Murray’s passes were at or behind the line of scrimmage. A total of 24 weren’t thrown more than five yards down the field. That’s got to change. They have got to incorporate that into their offense. I think they are going to. I think they’re going to be better at home. It comes down to a field goal by Matt Prater.
