Week 4 of the NFL season kicks off with an NFC West battle on Thursday night. The Arizona Cardinals host the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, with both teams entering at 2-1. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET, and oddsmakers have made Seattle a slight road favorite at -1.5 with the total set at 43 points.
Seattle enters the game with momentum, having won back-to-back contests over Pittsburgh and New Orleans. Arizona, on the other hand, is coming off a close 16-15 loss to San Francisco where the Cardinals missed a chance to stay undefeated. The last meeting between these teams came in December 2024, when Seattle won 30-18.
SEA Preview – Special Teams Impact and Passing Rhythm
The Seahawks are finding their stride after a Week 1 loss to the 49ers. Quarterback Sam Darnold has been efficient through three games, throwing for 226 yards per game at 8.8 yards per attempt. He’s completed over 69 percent of his passes and has connected for four touchdowns with just two interceptions.
Seattle’s offense has relied on big plays through the air, averaging 12.2 yards per completion, the second-best mark in the league. That explosiveness has kept defenses off balance and allowed the Seahawks to open up the field for their receivers. Darnold’s chemistry with rookie wideout Tory Horton is improving each week, highlighted by Horton’s 95-yard punt return touchdown and receiving score against New Orleans.
Special teams have been a major factor. Seattle not only got Horton’s punt return, but also blocked a punt against the Saints. Plays like that gave the offense short fields, helping them put up 44 points in their biggest win of the season.
Defensively, Seattle is improving with players returning from injury. Devon Witherspoon (knee) and Julian Love (hamstring) were back at practice in limited roles, bolstering a secondary that will need to slow down Kyler Murray. The Seahawks’ defense has allowed just 17 points per game over the past two weeks after giving up 17 in the opener to San Francisco.
ARI Preview – Conner Out, Murray Under Pressure
The Cardinals were dealt a big blow this week when James Conner was placed on injured reserve with a foot injury. Conner had been their lead back and emotional leader, rushing for over 3,700 yards and 38 touchdowns since joining Arizona. In his absence, second-year back Trey Benson will carry the load after producing 125 yards on 21 carries this season.
Kyler Murray will be under added pressure without Conner. The Cardinals have relied on his mobility and passing to move the ball, but protection is a concern. Multiple offensive linemen, including Kelvin Beachum, Will Hernandez, and Paris Johnson Jr., are dealing with injuries. That makes Thursday’s matchup against Seattle’s improving pass rush even tougher.
Arizona’s defense has been the team’s strength so far, ranking fifth in points allowed at 17 per game. They held San Francisco in check last week and nearly stole the game on the road. That unit will again need to carry the team, especially with limited offensive firepower. Cornerback depth is a concern, with Will Johnson and D’Angelo Hall both on the injury list, which could create mismatches against Seattle’s wideouts.
At home, Arizona has been solid, starting 1-0 at State Farm Stadium. The crowd energy should help, but it will take a complete performance to offset the injuries and keep pace with a Seattle offense that has been rolling.
Key Matchups to Watch
Kyler Murray vs Seattle’s Secondary: With James Conner out, Murray will have to throw more. Seattle is healthier in the secondary with Witherspoon and Love back, making this a critical battle.
Seattle Offensive Line vs Arizona Pass Rush: Arizona’s defense has been strong against the run and is capable of creating pressure. If Darnold has time, Seattle’s passing game should find openings downfield.
Special Teams Edge: Seattle has already produced two game-changing plays on special teams this season. Arizona must be sharp in coverage to prevent another momentum swing.
Betting Prediction
The spread is tight at Seahawks -1.5 with the total at 43, showing expectations of a low-scoring divisional matchup. Seattle has been the more efficient team offensively, averaging 29.3 points per game, compared to Arizona’s 17.0 allowed on defense. Something will have to give on Thursday night.
Arizona’s defense should keep this close, but the loss of Conner and multiple injuries up front will make it hard for Murray to sustain drives. Seattle’s big-play ability on offense and special teams gives them the edge. Expect a competitive first half before the Seahawks pull away late. A projected score of Seattle 23, Arizona 20 fits both the spread and the under.
Pick: Seahawks -1.5; Under 43
