The Arizona Cardinals (6-4) come into week 12 in a surprising place, leading the NFC West. While Arizona leads the division the other three teams are hot on their tail all tied at (5-5). This week the Cardinals will take on one of those division rivals in the Seattle Seahawks. This game could go a long way in deciding this incredibly tight division race.
The Seahawks are coming off an upset victory against the defending NFC Champion 49ers. With San Fransisco struggling, it has opened the door for Arizona seize control of the NFC West. The Cardinals have already earned wins over the 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams, taking the victory today would give Arizona a clean sweep of their first games against their division rivals.
Arizona Cardinals Seizing Control
Arizona has been led by quarterback Kyler Murray, who has been putting together one of the best seasons of his young career. Murray has passed for 2,058 yards and 12 touchdown passes to only three interceptions. While adding 371 rushing yards and four rushing scores.
Six of those touchdown receptions have been to rookie wide-out Marvin Harrison Jr. The former Buckeye has 499 receiving yards to go along with those six touchdowns, putting him second on the team in yards only behind tight end Trey McBride.
Running back James Connor is on pace for his second consecutive 1,000-yard season for the Cardinals. Connor has been a driving force for the Arizona offense and currently has 697 rushing yards with five rushing touchdowns. Adding another 247 yards through the air coming out of the backfield, Connor has proven to be a dynamic threat this season.
The Route to the NFC West Crown
The Arizona Cardinals face each of their divisional foes once more after today, but outside of those games they play the Patriots, Panthers, and Vikings. All games they could win, so the remainder of the season is truly in their hands. Arizona hasn’t won the NFC West title since 2015 but are in the driver seat to do just that this year. They haven’t been to the playoffs since 2021, also with Murray at the helm of the offense.
The Cardinals are a one-point underdog traveling to Seattle today. A place where Murray hasn’t had success during his pro career. Seattle quarterback Geno Smith has been one of the top passers in the NFL this season and could pose a challenge for the still growing and developing Arizona defense. Today’s result could either put Arizona further ahead of controlling their own destiny or throw the entire NFC West playoff picture into chaos.
Credit: Getty Images
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