Sports Betting Free Pick Preview: Arizona Cardinals vs. Seattle Seahawks – November 24, 2024
The Arizona Cardinals will face off against the Seattle Seahawks today, November 24, 2024, in what promises to be a high-stakes NFC West showdown. With both teams looking to solidify their playoff hopes, this matchup is crucial for the playoff race in a competitive division. Below, we dive into the sports betting trends, head-to-head matchups, key statistics, and reasoning behind why taking the Seahawks -105 is a smart play.
Head-to-Head History
Looking at recent matchups between these two teams, the Seahawks have had a notable edge. Over the last five seasons, Seattle has won 7 of the 10 meetings, with a 4-1 record in games played at home. Seattle’s defense has been effective against the Cardinals, especially in recent seasons, when they’ve managed to contain Arizona’s high-octane offense.
2023 Season Recap: Seattle swept the season series 2-0. The Seahawks won their home game 30-13 and their road game 24-20, which speaks to their ability to dominate both at home and on the road.
Arizona’s Struggles in Seattle: Historically, Arizona has had a tough time playing at Lumen Field, with the Seahawks winning 6 of the last 7 home games against the Cardinals. The hostile environment and the Seahawks’ passionate fanbase can be a major factor in Arizona's struggles in Seattle.
Current Form: Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals enter this game with a 6-4 record, sitting in the middle of the NFC West pack. While they’ve shown flashes of brilliance offensively, inconsistency has been a major theme this season. Quarterback Kyler Murray has been back under center for a few games after recovering from an ACL injury, and while he provides a dynamic presence, the offense as a whole has lacked cohesion.
Offensive Struggles: Arizona ranks 23rd in total yards per game (326.8 YPG), and their passing offense has been inconsistent. Murray has struggled to find rhythm with his receivers, and the offensive line has had trouble protecting him against pressure. The Cardinals are ranked 21st in sacks allowed (2.5 sacks per game).
Current Form: Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks come into this game with a 7-4 record, firmly in the playoff hunt. While the Seahawks have been a bit inconsistent on offense, their defense and ability to control the clock with their run game have kept them competitive. Quarterback Geno Smith has had a solid season, though he’s been prone to a few turnovers. However, the combination of Smith's steady play and a strong ground game has been effective.
Offensive Efficiency: The Seahawks are 13th in total yards per game (367.9 YPG), and their rushing attack ranks 7th in the NFL (130.2 YPG). This is important when considering Arizona’s struggles against the run. The Seahawks have found success in controlling tempo with their run-first offense, and they’ll likely look to exploit Arizona’s defensive weakness in this game.
Key NFL Betting Trends
Seattle at Home: The Seahawks are 4-1 against the spread (ATS) in their last 5 home games against Arizona.
Arizona’s Road Struggles: The Cardinals are just 2-5 ATS in their last 7 road games and 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games against NFC West opponents.
Seattle’s Momentum: The Seahawks are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games following a loss, showcasing their ability to bounce back after setbacks.
High-scoring Games: The over has hit in 5 of the last 7 matchups between these two teams, suggesting that both teams have been involved in high-scoring affairs in recent years. However, with Seattle’s strong defense, this might lean towards a lower-scoring game, giving the Seahawks a chance to win with a smaller margin.
Gamblers Dream is taking Seahawks ML -105
Seahawks' Defense vs. Kyler Murray: While Murray can make explosive plays with his legs, the Seahawks have been effective in containing mobile quarterbacks. They’ve held Kyler Murray to an average of 215 yards passing in their last 3 meetings, and his rushing ability has been neutralized by Seattle’s disciplined defense.
Seattle’s Dominance at Home: As mentioned earlier, Seattle has had Arizona's number at home, and Lumen Field is one of the toughest stadiums for visiting teams to play in. The Seahawks thrive in front of their fans, and Arizona has struggled in hostile environments.
Arizona’s Defensive Vulnerabilities: The Cardinals rank near the bottom in total defense and have been especially vulnerable against the run. With Seattle ranking 7th in rushing yards per game, expect the Seahawks to control the clock and set the pace of the game. Arizona will likely have a hard time stopping the run, which will take the pressure off Geno Smith to make risky throws.
Seahawks’ Stronger All-around Game: Seattle’s defense is playing at a higher level, and their offense is balanced. Arizona has not been able to establish consistency on either side of the ball. This all-around advantage makes the Seahawks a safer bet, especially at the reasonable price of -105.
