Arizona Cardinals vs. Seattle Seahawks Betting Odds, Analysis, NFL Pick

The NFC West-leading Arizona Cardinals (6-2) return from their bye week hoping to increase their lead in the division when they visit the Seattle Seahawks (4-4). The Cardinals have dropped four of their last five games both straight up and against the spread following a bye while the two-time defending NFC West champion Seahawks were also off and have won their past two SU and ATS in that situation.

Point spread: Seahawks opened as 2.5-point favorites; the total was 45 early in the week, according to sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark. (Line updates and matchup report)

NFL pick, via Odds Shark computer: 23.8-19.3 Seahawks

Why the Cardinals can cover the spread

Arizona won at Seattle two years ago 17-10 as an eight-point road underdog and knows that you have to beat the champ if you want to be the champ. The Cardinals had an impressive road victory against the Cleveland Browns prior to the bye, rallying back from a 20-10 halftime deficit to win 34-20 and cover the spread as eight-point underdogs. They improved to 3-1 SU and ATS away from home this season.

The Seahawks have also not been the same dominant team at home this year, going 2-1 SU but 1-2 ATS. And the one game they did cover there came against a Chicago Bears team that was playing without quarterback Jay Cutler. Seattle led only 6-0 at halftime before outscoring the Bears 20-0 in the second half en route to a 26-0 victory. Seattle nearly lost to the Detroit Lions on Monday night as well.

Why the Seahawks can cover the spread

The Seahawks have been winning ugly a lot this season, going 1-3-1 ATS in their last five games before their bye. They still won three of those games and should be very motivated here playing a divisional opponent in prime time. Seattle has won its past five games against NFC West foes both SU and ATS at home.

The time off should have also helped the team figure out a way to get tight end Jimmy Graham more involved in the offense. Graham was becoming a bigger factor before the bye, with two of his three best games, including a 12-catch, 140-yard performance in a 27-23 Week 6 loss to the unbeaten Carolina Panthers at home.

Smart pick

Those waiting for the Seahawks to finally wake up and play to their potential should have been eyeing this game on the schedule. If they are going to make a run at their third straight division title and conference crown, they need to play well in this spot and remind Arizona who they are. The small point spread is simply too tempting to pass up on Seattle to cover, especially in a statement game like this at home.

Betting trends

The Cardinals are 1-4 SU and ATS in their last five games after the bye.

The Seahawks are 8-1 SU in their last nine games in November.

The Seahawks are 2-6 ATS in their last eight games as favorites.

All point-spread and lines data courtesy of Odds Shark, all quotes gathered firsthand unless otherwise noted. Check out Twitter for injury and line movement updates and get the free odds tracker app.