ClutchPoints
After a gritty start that included wins over New Orleans and Carolina, the Arizona Cardinals narrowly fell to San Francisco in Week 3.
Now sitting at 2-1, they host the Seattle Seahawks in a pivotal Thursday Night Football matchup. Injuries and offensive inconsistency cloud Arizona’s chances. However, bold predictions suggest how this showdown could unfold.
The Cardinals sit second in the NFC West. They face a steep challenge, though, after losing running back James Conner to a season-ending ankle injury. His absence puts extra pressure on Trey Benson and an offense that has struggled to find consistency. They have averaged just 180 passing yards per game with Kyler Murray under center. Yes, the defense has held its ground on third downs and in the red zone. That said, critics note that Arizona’s early schedule hasn’t been especially difficult.
Seattle, meanwhile, also enters at 2-1. They have momentum after a 44-13 Week 3 dismantling of New Orleans. The Seahawks boast a defense allowing just 15.7 points per game and have dominated this rivalry. Seattle has won seven straight meetings, which include two double-digit victories last season when Arizona managed only 24 combined points. With history, health, and offensive efficiency working against them, the Cardinals will need a near-perfect performance to keep pace on Thursday night.
Here we will look at and discuss some bold predictions for the game between the Cardinals and the Seahawks in Week 4 of the 2025 NFL season.
Kyler Murray has done a good job protecting the football in 2025. He has just one interception across three games. Still, the numbers don’t really tell a very inspiring story. In the Week 3 loss to San Francisco, he managed only 159 yards on 22-of-35 passing with one touchdown. His longest completion went for 32 yards, and explosive plays have been rare.
Against Seattle, expect more of the same struggles. The Seahawks’ defense is among the league’s best. Their secondary, which is led by Tariq Woolen and Devon Witherspoon, has also limited opponents to under 16 points per game. Murray’s penchant for checkdowns and short completions could limit Arizona’s offensive ceiling. That would make it difficult for him to post a passer rating above 90.
If there’s one reliable bright spot for Arizona’s passing attack, it’s tight end Trey McBride. He has quickly become Murray’s most dependable target. McBride led the team in receptions and targets in the Week 3 loss to San Francisco. He finished with five catches for 43 yards and a touchdown, showcasing his ability to win in the short-to-intermediate game.
Seattle’s defense has been excellent, but McBride could still find success against linebackers and safeties. Assuming the Seahawks will prioritize coverage on Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson, McBride should benefit from favorable matchups. If Murray leans on him as a safety valve, topping 70 receiving yards is well within reach. McBride’s production could be...
