Seattle Seahawks (8-8) vs. Arizona Cardinals (4-12)
As the NFL regular season draws to a close in Week 18, the Seattle Seahawks, holding an even 8-8 record, are set to face off against the Arizona Cardinals, who have struggled this season with a 4-12 standing. This pivotal match, scheduled for Sunday at State Farm Stadium, is not just a game but a critical moment for enthusiasts and bettors alike, who keenly seek daily Super Bowl free picks.
The Seahawks’ offense has been an impressive blend of air and ground attack. Geno Smith, at center, has displayed impressive consistency with a 65.2% completion rate for 3,435 passing yards; running back Zach Charbonnet has made modest but effective contributions towards their diverse offensive strategy; DK Metcalf stands out with 1,104 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns, providing reliable deep threat options to Geno Smith for play calling purposes.
However, Arizona Cardinals have had their share of challenges while showing glimpses of potential. Kyler Murray has been key in their offense by completing 64.7% of his passes for 1,537 yards while their rushing attack led by James Conner has produced 890 rushing yards at an average 4.9 yards per carry and tight end Trey McBride has become an invaluable target with 791 receiving yards contributing significantly to their passing attack.
Seattle Seahawks vs. Arizona Cardinals Game Info
| When: | Sunday, January 7, 2024, at 4:25 PM ET |
| Where: | State Farm Stadium |
| TV: | FOX |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
Geno Smith QB vs. Kyler Murray QB
Geno Smith has exceeded expectations in his first year as a full-time starter since 2014. He’s thrown for 3,435 passing yards and 18 touchdowns, with an impressive 65.2% completion rate. Smith has shown precision as a passer, demonstrated by his 7.3 yards per attempt. While he’s taken 31 sacks, he’s also scrambled effectively when plays break down. Over his last three contests, Smith is averaging 277 passing yards per game with 6 total touchdowns and just 2 picks.
Meanwhile, Kyler Murray has battled injuries, limiting him to just 7 starts. But when healthy, the young quarterback remains one of the most explosive dual threats in the NFL. In those 7 games, Murray averaged 220 passing yards and nearly 30 rushing yards per contest. His scrambling prowess and ability to improvise puts immense pressure on defenses. Although the shoulder issue may cap his rushing upside on Sunday, Murray’s quick release and playmaking talent can still exploit Seattle through the air, even at less than 100%.
NFL Odds/Point Spread: Seattle Seahawks -150, Total Odds: 47.5
The Seahawks are favored in this matchup, as reflected in the betting odds. The spread of -3 points indicates expectations of a relatively close game. The total points set at 47.5 suggest a high-scoring affair, potentially driven by both teams’ offensive capabilities.
Seattle Seahawks Betting Trends
Seattle is 2-5 straight up lately, but the offense found its groove again recently, scoring 27+ points in 4 of the last 5 outings. The Seahawks are also 8-2 ATS against the NFC and 5-1 ATS specifically when facing Arizona over the past few seasons.
Arizona Cardinals Betting Trends
Arizona has collapsed down the stretch, with a 4-16 SU record over the past 20 games highlighting their issues. While the total has gone over in their last five home contests, Seattle has owned this matchup of late. The Cardinals are just 1-5 SU against Seattle at home the past several years.
Seattle Seahawks vs. Arizona Cardinals 1/7/24 Betting Picks
This matchup presents a complex scenario for bettors. The Seahawks, with their balanced offense and recent ATS dominance over the Cardinals, seem to be a solid pick. However, the Cardinals’ home performance and tendency to score high in home games cannot be overlooked.
In terms of betting, the Seahawks might be the safer pick for the win, but the Cardinals could cover the spread, making them an intriguing underdog choice. For prop bets and over/under considerations, the potential for a high-scoring game should be factored in. Bettors using the best bookie software should monitor in-game dynamics and individual player performances for live betting opportunities.
