This article is part of our NFL Picks series.
Cardinals vs. Seahawks Betting Odds, Picks and Predictions for Thursday Night Football
The NFC West will be front and center Thursday with the Arizona Cardinals hosting the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. Both teams are 2-1, one game behind the San Francisco 49ers in the division standings. Let's look at this matchup, and highlight three wagers to consider.
Mike Barner's season record: 10-8 (+0.56 units)
Cardinals vs. Seahawks Betting Odds
Seahawks: Spread -1.5 (-105 BetMGM), -124 Moneyline (BetRivers)
Cardinals: Spread +1.5 (-105 ESPN Bet), +110 Moneyline (Caesars)
Game Total: 43.5 points (Over: 43.5, -105 FanDuel, Under: 43.5, -110 Bet365)
The Cardinals have ruled out WR Zay Jones (concussion) and have listed CB Will Johnson (groin) as doubtful. RB Zach Charbonnet (foot) did not play in Week 3, and he is listed as questionable by the Seahawks.
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Cardinals vs. Seahawks Betting Picks
Jaxon Smith-Njigba 80+ receiving yards (-125 DraftKings Sportsbook) for 1 Unit
Smith-Njigba has been the centerpiece of the Seahawks' offense, accounting for 39.7 percent of the team's targets and 55.0 percent of their air yards. He has an average depth of target of 12.2 yards, which is up from 8.4 yards last season. With his heavy target share and the team giving him deeper targets, Smith-Njigba has recorded at least 96 receiving yards in all three games.
The Cardinals have allowed the sixth-most receiving yards to wide receivers this season. Not only is Johnson doubtful, but fellow cornerbacks Sean Murphy-Bunting (knee) and Garrett Williams (knee) are on the Reserve/Injured list. It's going to be difficult for the Cardinals to slow down Smith-Njigba with the options that they have left in their secondary.
Trey McBride 60+ receiving yards (-142 DraftKings Sportsbook) for 1 Unit
McBride found his way into the end zone against the 49ers last week, and he absorbed five of eight targets for 43 yards. Prior to that, McBride had recorded at least 61 receiving yards in both of his first two games. He has been targeted at least seven times in each game this season, and McBride has accounted for 27.3 percent of the Cardinals' total targets. That's consistent with last season when he had a 28.0 percent target share.
The Seahawks have struggled to slow down tight ends, allowing 24 receptions and 180 receiving yards to the position this season. They couldn't stop McBride last season, including when he posted 12 receptions for 133 yards against them in Week 12. In Week 14, he caught seven of 14 targets for 70 yards. With plenty of targets likely coming his way again, this is an appealing wager.
Both teams to score 1+ passing touchdown (-130 DraftKings Sportsbook) for 1 Unit
The Cardinals have had an easy schedule. The three quarterbacks that they have faced are Spencer Rattler, Bryce Young and Mac Jones. Rattler didn't record a touchdown against them in Week 1, but Young had three passing touchdowns in Week 2. Jones also had a touchdown pass against them last week. Given all of their injuries within their secondary, and Darnold having four touchdown passes over his last two games, look for the Cardinals to give up at least one score through the air again.
The Seahawks have faced Brock Purdy, Aaron Rodgers and Rattler in their three games. Purdy had two passing touchdowns in Week 1, Rodgers had one in Week 2, while Rattler totaled one in Week 3. Murray has recorded at least one passing touchdown in all three games this season, and he is in a favorable spot to do so again versus the Seahawks.
Cardinals vs. Seahawks Prediction
The Cardinals have the advantage being at home on the short week. However, the Seahawks are 1-0 on the road this season after going 7-1 away from Seattle last year. Their defense is in a better spot on the health front, and Darnold has settled in nicely after a rocky Week 1 performance. This should be a close game, but look for the Seahawks to pull out the victory.
Seahawks 24, Cardinals 20
