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

The Arizona Cardinals (13-2) hope to do their part as they look to earn the No. 1 seed in the NFC with a victory against the Seattle Seahawks (9-6) on Sunday in a divisional matchup. The Cardinals need a win and loss by the Carolina Panthers at home versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to clinch home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, and they have gone 5-4 against the spread during their current nine-game winning streak.

Point spread: The Cardinals opened as 3.5-point favorites; the total was 46.5 early in the week, according to sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark (line updates and matchup report).

NFL pick, via Odds Shark computer: 24.5-24.0 Cardinals

Why the Seahawks can cover the spread

The road team is 4-1 straight up and ATS in the past five meetings of this NFC West rivalry, and the Seahawks won 35-6 at Arizona in Week 16 last year to cover as 9.5-point favorites. Seattle running back Marshawn Lynch rushed for 113 yards on just 10 carries in that game, scoring two touchdowns, including one on a 79-yard run in the fourth quarter. The Cardinals were outscored 21-0 in the fourth and struggled offensively with third-stringer Ryan Lindley playing quarterback due to injuries.

That obviously will not be the case this time with Carson Palmer under center, but the Seahawks are also hoping that Lynch (sports hernia) will finally be back on the field after missing the last six games. While Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson has been sensational in his absence with 21 touchdown passes and only one interception, a more balanced offense featuring Lynch gives the team a better chance of covering.

Why the Cardinals can cover the spread

Arizona should be very motivated to get the No. 1 seed in the NFC but also does not want to give the Seahawks any confidence heading into the playoffs should the teams meet for a third time down the road. The Cardinals have proved that they can score on Seattle’s once-vaunted defense and would love to shut down Wilson this Sunday like they did Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers last week in a 38-8 rout.

Leading the NFL in point differential at plus-206, Arizona is the most well-rounded team in the league right now and does not want to lose any momentum. This is another big statement game, and the Cardinals have done an outstanding job of closing out seasons in years past. They are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 regular-season finales, and sweeping the Seahawks would be the perfect ending for the new NFC West champs.

Smart pick

This is a more important game for Arizona with a small number to lay considering what is on the line. Seattle has nothing really to gain from a victory here, so look for the Cardinals to follow up last week’s great defensive effort with another one as they complete the sweep with a cover and put pressure on Carolina to keep pace with a win.

Betting trends

The total has gone over in 10 of the Seahawks' last 11 games on the road against the Cardinals.

The Seahawks are 5-1 SU and ATS in their last six games.

The Seahawks are 15-6 SU in their last 21 games against their division.

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.