Seattle Seahawks: Bold Predictions for Week 12 vs. Arizona Cardinals
The Seattle Seahawks are still very much in the hunt for the NFC West title, sitting at 5-5 heading into Week 12, tied with every other team in the division except for the Arizona Cardinals, who hold a narrow one-game lead. This makes the NFC West race one of the tightest in recent memory. With playoff spots likely to be decided by head-to-head matchups and tie-breakers, every division game matters significantly.
This Week 12 contest against Arizona presents a golden opportunity for Seattle. A win could see them move back into the NFC West lead, a position they haven’t held since early in the season. The two teams will meet again in a few weeks, so the strategies and tactics each side reveals in this matchup will be closely watched.
Can the Seahawks take advantage of the Cardinals’ inconsistency, or will they falter in a crucial divisional game? Below are three bold predictions for Seattle as they prepare to face Arizona:
1. Geno Smith Plays Well, But Turns the Ball Over Twice
Geno Smith has shown he can be a reliable starting quarterback for Seattle. Entering his third year as the franchise’s QB, Smith hasn’t had the same level of success he enjoyed in 2022. With 2,781 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions so far in 2024, his performance has been solid but not spectacular.
In this matchup, Smith won’t need to be the hero. The Seahawks will likely rely on a balanced offensive approach, mixing in a heavy dose of running plays. Smith will manage the game effectively, keeping the offense in rhythm and converting on several drives. However, he will commit two costly turnovers, probably interceptions, which will give the Cardinals some chances to stay in the game.
2. Kenneth Walker III Has a Career-Best Performance
Running back Kenneth Walker III has been a key player for Seattle, especially when healthy. Despite a couple of quiet games this season, he’s had an impressive 113 carries for 452 yards and seven touchdowns in eight games. Heading into Week 12, Walker is primed for a breakout performance.
My bold prediction: Walker will have a career day, surpassing his previous high of 167 rushing yards in a game. Expect him to run for at least 175 yards and score two touchdowns against a vulnerable Arizona run defense. The Cardinals will know Walker is a focal point of Seattle’s offensive game plan, but they won’t be able to stop him.
3. Seattle’s Defense Limits Arizona, But Kyler Murray’s Scrambling Creates Big Plays
Seattle’s defense, led by defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, has been solid, but the team still lacks depth in its front seven. While the Seahawks have found ways to pressure quarterbacks, they will struggle to contain Kyler Murray’s ability to make plays on the move.
The defense will do well to stifle the Cardinals’ conventional offense, not allowing many sustained drives. However, Arizona will capitalize on explosive plays. Murray will scramble for at least 50 yards and make at least one big play, possibly a touchdown, on an off-script play.