Seattle Seahawks vs Arizona Cardinals: Spread Analysis and Pick Prediction

Thursday night's kickoff from Glendale, Arizona finds the Cardinals riding a 7-1 win streak both straight-up and against the number in this series. Seattle has also dropped 6 of 7 at the window in the desert.

Point spread: Seahawks opened as 6.5-point favorites; the total was 40.5. (Line updates and Matchup report)

Computer Prediction: 28.6-16.4 Seahawks

Why the Seahawks can cover the spread

Though some are calling last week's win over the Titans ugly, make note Tennessee's defense is no easy chore to conquer. Russell Wilson threw for 257 yards and ran for another 61, the third time this season he's topped 300 yards combined passing and running. The Cards don't have the same D as the Titans and the Seahawks are 5-1 ATS in their past six road games.

Why the Cardinals can cover the spread

Despite the difference in calibre of these teams in 2013, it hasn't always been that way and Arizona owns an impressive 7-1 against-the-spread resume against Seattle over the years. And maybe the Seahawks' ugly win (they put the ball on the ground five times and lost two fumbles) was a bad omen for Week 7.

The Cards can also take some comfort in knowing Seattle scored touchdowns on just two of five trips inside the red zone. Now with both teams in on a short week, the Seahawks are the ones traveling to Glendale, where the Cards are 2-0.

Smart Pick

As bad as the Seahawks appeared to be in their win over Tennessee, this game will be a step down in class. Plus, Arizona is nursing some key injuries, as defensive end Calais Campbell was carted off the field strapped to a stretcher and wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald has a sore hamstring. Seattle will cover this number, just like the computer says.

Trends:

Cardinals 7-1 SU & ATS past 8 games vs Seattle

Cardinals lost 7 straight SU within the division

Note: All spread and odds data powered by Odds Shark—follow them on Twitter for injury updates and line move updates.