David Johnson set new records on Sunday, but he probably would’ve exchanged those accomplishments for a win. Johnson ran for 53 yards and had 55 receiving yards to become the first NFL player to ever to get at least 100 yards from scrimmage in the first 14 games of the season, albeit in a 48-41 loss to New Orleans.
While that streak seems to be harder to extend against Seattle’s tough defense, it could be remembered that DJ compiled 113 rushing yards on 33 attempts a 6-6 tie against the Seahawks back in Week 7. Expect Johnson to get a healthy dosage of carries anew this Saturday given his success in the earlier meeting, but the Cards will have to find a way to convert in the red zone. They were 0-for-2 in the red zone in the Week 7 matchup.
Of course, Carson Palmer will have to ball, too. Palmer had 318 yards (28/40) with a pair of touchdowns with no interceptions against the Saints. Seattle is top 10 defensively both against the run and pass, but the Cardinals have the players to bore through that kind of resistance. After all, they had 443 total yards in the first showdown with Seattle.
Arizona is 2-1 SU and ATS in its last three games in Seattle.
The Seahawks have reserved a spot in the playoffs last Thursday, when they clobbered the LA Rams at home, 24-3. The win also secured the Seahawks another NFC West title, something they would like to rub in the faces of the Cardinals this coming Saturday.
Russell Wilson recovered from a forgettable performance against the Packers the previous week by slinging the ball for 229 yards (19/26) with three touchdowns and an INT against the Rams. Wilson could get help from running back Thomas Rawls, who wasn’t around in the first meeting with Arizona. Rawls has been productive ever since he got back on the field, rushing for 207 yards and two touchdowns in the last three games. His presence could startle Arizona’s defense that’ll have to contend with Wilson’s versatility and Rawls’ sheer power out of the backfield.
Defensively, the Seahawks will look to do a better job containing Arizona’s attack, which, as mentioned earlier, produced over 400 yards in Week 7. The Seahawks are tops in the league in scoring defense with only 16.8 points allowed per contest.
The Seahawks are 3-0 ATS in their last three home games.
