Arizona Cardinals vs. Seattle Seahawks: Spread and Predictions

The Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks are both coming off a loss last week, as the Cardinals lost to the Washington Redskins, and the Seahawks lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Both teams need wins this week in an important divisional clash early in the season.

The Seahawks look more like a team in the Andrew Luck sweepstakes, while the Cardinals were just one drive away from going 2-0 and being alone on the top of the division.

Where: CenturyLink Field (Seattle)

When: September 25, 4:15 p.m. EST

Watch: DirecTV 717, Fox

Over/Under: 43

The Seattle Seahawks couldn't score a point last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but they also struggled the week before against the San Francisco 49ers.

Arizona's offense has been solid this year, but they are nothing to write home about. Beanie Wells is questionable for the game, and may not play, which would hand Chester Taylor the start.

There is almost no chance this game goes over, barring some terrific special teams plays from both teams.

Spread: Arizona (-3.5)

The Cardinals might be going on the road for this one, and it may be a divisional game, but they are a much better team, with better players on both sides of the ball.

Kevin Kolb is a much better quarterback than Tavaris Jackson, and the Seahawks' receivers combined cannot compete with Larry Fitzgerald.

There is no way you can bet Seattle in this one, bet the Cardinals comfortably.

Key Injuries for Arizona

Chansi Stuckey (WR), LaRod Stephens-Howling (RB), Daryl Washington (LB), and Chris Wells (RB) are all questionable for the game. Joey Porter is also injured, but is expected to play.

Obviously Wells and Stephens-Howling are the biggest injuries, as the team is already thin at running back after losing Ryan Williams for the year. 

Key Injuries for Seattle

Jarriel King (T), Byron Maxwell (CB), Michael Robinson (RB), and Robert Gallery (G) are all out for this week's game.

Sidney Rice is probable, and is expected to play despite a shoulder injury.

Fantasy Big Plays

Larry Fitzgerald

You can't leave Fitzgerald on the bench this week.

With Beanie Wells injured for the Cardinals, they likely won't be running the ball much. They will put the ball on Kolb's arm and Fitzgerald's hands.

Fitzgerald exploded last week against the Redskins, and will likely do the same this week with Kolb getting more opportunities to air the ball out.

Marshawn Lynch

If you are desperate at running back this week, Lynch is a good player to keep an eye on.

The Cardinals were exposed on the ground last week against the Redskins as they gave up over 170 yards on the ground.

Seattle won't be putting the ball in Tavaris Jackson's hands, so look for Lynch to get plenty of carries.

Key to Cardinals Win

Stop the run.

The Cardinals need to stop the run this week, they can't allow the Seahawks to move the ball up and down the field on the ground once again this week.

If they force the ball into Tavaris Jackson's hands, they will have a much better chance of winning this game.

Key to Seahawks Win

Contain Larry Fitzgerald.

If the Seahawks can contain Fitzgerald, they are going to have a lot of success against the Cardinals. With Wells possibly out of the game, the Cardinals are going to rely a lot on Kevin Kolb and Fitzgerald.

If the Seahawks shut down Kolb's new favorite target, it could be a long day for Arizona.

Prediction

Arizona Cardinals 20
Seattle Seahawks 13