Expect Seahawks, Russell Wilson to put up big numbers versus Cardinals

The Seahawks need a win at home Sunday to keep the pressure on the 49ers and Saints. I expect them to do that, led by a very big game from Russell Wilson.

With two games left in the season, there are still nearly as many playoff scenarios as there were possible outcomes of the Avengers battle with Thanos. Unlike Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, the Seahawks are assured of victory in all of them, not just one. Yes, Seattle will make the postseason no matter what happens in the next two games. But they could still wind up anywhere from the first to the sixth seed. A win over the Cardinals Sunday would go a long way to helping them lock up the top spot. Russell Wilson can make that happen.

So, you want to know the key to beating the Cardinals? Is it containing rookie quarterback Kyler Murray, the only QB with 3,000 yards through the air and 500 yards on the ground? Is it corraling running back Kenyan Drake, who went off for four touchdowns against the Browns last week? Or maybe it’s keeping edge rusher Chandler Jones off of Russell Wilson’s jersey?

All of those will help, sure, along with a heavy dose of the unstoppable, undeniable Chris Carson. Keeping Bobby Wagner on the field will certainly help, too. But just as it has been for so long now in Seattle, the answer is as easy as three. That is to say, the Number Three, the DangeRuss one himself, Russell Wilson.

Previewing the first contest between the Seahawks and the Cardinals, I pointed out that Wilson has been less than kind to our friends in Arizona. The Cardinals play him a bit tougher than the average team, it’s true. Regardless, Wilson has thrown for 23 touchdowns and just five interceptions. They may play him tough, but he still shreds those guys in red.

In week four, Wilson only threw for one score against Arizona. Jones didn’t even record a stat, but the Cardinals still sacked Number 3 four times and hit him another five. The good news for Wilson is, Tyler Lockett is back to full strength after a rough patch with injuries and the flu. DK Metcalf is playing even better than expected, and will certainly improve on his one-catch performance in the first meeting. Even with the loss of Josh Gordon, Wilson will have no shortage of targets.

Wilson is due for a spectacular game. He broke out of his slump last week against the Panthers, but I see bigger things ahead for him Sunday. Carolina’s pass defense ranks seventh in fewest touchdowns allowed and sixth in most interceptions, yet Wilson carved them up like it was a seven-on-seven drill. Arizona ranks dead last in most touchdowns allowed and is 29th in interceptions. Russell Carrington Wilson is going to feast Sunday in a big Seahawks win.