Seattle Seahawks vs. Cardinals odds and prediction for NFL Week 18 game
By Jake Luppino
The Seattle Seahawks look to close out the 2021 regular season on a positive note as they take on divisional rival, Arizona Cardinals, in Week 18. Coming off their best offensive performance of the season in Week 17, Seattle aims to finish the season even stronger. To make things sweeter, they have a chance at denying the Arizona Cardinals the NFC West crown.
After Arizona’s critical win over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 17, they still have a chance at winning the division. With a win over the Seahawks Sunday and a 49ers victory over the Rams, the Cardinals will clinch the division and host at least one playoff game. When these two teams met earlier in Week 11, Arizona was able to pull off the upset on the road with Colt McCoy as their starter.
With a lot on the line in this Week 18 season finale, we shouldn’t expect anything less of a hard-fought physical battle with some fireworks between two divisional opponents.
Seattle Seahawks vs. Arizona Cardinals Odds Week 18
As we have seen over the years when these two teams play, for whatever reason, the road team nearly always wins. With the Seattle Seahawks being the road team in this one, I wouldn’t say they are a lock to win, but I do like their chances in this one. The WynnBet betting odds currently have the Seattle Seahawks as a +6.5 point underdog. The Arizona Cardinals have -290 moneyline odds, with Seattle at +230. The over/under for total points is set at 48 (-110 for the over/-110 for the under).
Betting the spread: If one were to bet on the Seahawks (+6.5), in order to win, they’d have to lose by 6 or fewer points, or just flat out win the game.
Betting the moneyline: If one were to bet on the Seahawks (+230), they would have to just flat out win. For every $100 bet, you win $230.
Seahawks vs. Cardinals Week 18
Dare I say the Rashaad Penny-led Seattle Seahawks? Coming off a 51-point performance in Week 17, the Seahawks are riding high. The energy is high as always, they are playing with relentless intensity, and there seems to be a belief within the building that they will be running things back next season. But, the Cardinals are currently contending for a Super Bowl and will be playing with that kind of confidence.
KEY TO THIS GAME: Stopping the run
In the first meeting of these two teams, the Arizona rushing attack was a large reason as to why they won the game. Although the stat sheet only shows 95 total rushing yards, their running game came up big in critical spots. The Cardinals also did a really good job of dinking and dunking their way up the field. But, we shouldn’t expect that in this game as Kyler Murray will be playing.
If the Seahawks can converge on the Cardinals rushing attack, they should be to increase their likelihood of getting off the field and giving the ball back to the offense. Now, the loss of Bobby Wagner will make this task increasingly more difficult. Even so, an emerging Jordyn Brooks should give 12s confidence.
Offensively, I think Seattle should continue to play to its greatest strength: the rushing attack. The offensive line has done a tremendous job of creating gaping holes for Penny and he has done an even better job of capitalizing. Phil Haynes and Jake Curhan deserve some recognition for filling in and playing a major part in their rushing success.
If they can establish the rush, Russell Wilson will be in his element in the play action and the Seattle Seahawks should once again have no problem moving the ball. One thing I will say is, expect the Seahawks to come out pass-heavy in this game. I think Arizona is going to gameplan for run first and the Seahawks may be able to catch them early on. But, for the totality of the game, Seattle should focus on running the ball.
Next. 4 free agents Seahawks should chase this offseason. dark
With all that said, I really like the Seahawks to cover the spread. I have them winning this game, 24-23.