The Seattle Seahawks have looked like one of the league's best teams through the first three games of the season. While they suffered a narrow, last-minute loss to the San Francisco 49ers in their season opener, they have bounced back with consecutive blowout victories over the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints.
Seattle ranks fifth in scoring offense and second in scoring defense through three weeks. They are the NFL's lone team to rank in the top five of both categories, showing that they have the potential to be elite on both sides of the football.
The Seahawks are set to have a short week as they visit the Arizona Cardinals for Thursday Night Football. Take a look at three key matchups that could influence the outcome of this divisional matchup.
3 key matchups for Seahawks' Thursday Night Football matchup with Cardinals
Sam Darnold vs. Cardinals secondary
Darnold has seemingly gotten better every week of his brief Seahawks tenure. Through three games, he has thrown for 663 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions while completing 70.3% of his pass attempts.
He will face a Cardinals secondary that has allowed the third-most passing yards in the league despite facing Spencer Rattler, Bryce Young, and Mac Jones. Seattle's quarterback should be in line for a big game on a short week against one of the NFL's worst passing defenses.
Seahawks pass rush vs. Cardinals offensive line
The Seahawks finished tied for eighth with 45 sacks last season. After adding DeMarcus Lawrence, many predicted that they would be among the league's best pass rushes in 2025. That has not been the case through three weeks, as their six sacks are tied for the ninth-fewest in the league.
Meanwhile, after allowing five sacks in the season opener, the Cardinals have allowed just one in each of their past two games. Their offensive line, however, is banged up heading into Week 4, which could signal a big game for Seattle's pass rush.
Seahawks running backs vs. Cardinals run defense
The Seahawks' rushing attack looked primed for a big season during the preseason. That has not been the case through three weeks as they have the fourth-fewest yards per carry and are tied for the 11th-fewest yards.
On the other hand, the Cardinals have been elite against the run, allowing the fourth-fewest yards. If Seattle is able to control the line of scrimmage and establish the run game, it could be in store for yet another big week.