The Seattle Seahawks are heading into tonight's matchup with the Arizona Cardinals looking to make a statement. Even though the Seahawks and Cardinals both hold 6-3 records this season heading into this Week 11 matchup, Russell Wilson and company feel like they have something to prove.
Last week, the Seahawks struggled against the Los Angeles Rams and ended up falling by a final score of 23-16. Wilson had a really rough day, throwing two interceptions, no touchdowns, and completing 22 of his 37 pass attempts for 248 yards. If the Seahawks want to get back in the win column this week, they will need a much better performance from him.
As for the Cardinals, they came through with a crazy Hail Mary win over the Buffalo Bills. Kyler Murray connected with DeAndre Hopkins on an improbably throw to win the game. They came into the season as one of the more intriguing teams to watch and they certainly look like they are a Super Bowl contender.
Both of these teams are serious contenders in the NFC. They both have star quarterbacks and stars around their quarterbacks offensively. Defensively, they both have talent and are capable of making plays.
All of that being said, let's take a look at four bold predictions for the Seahawks tonight as they take on the Cardinals.
4. The Seahawks Sack Kyler Murray Three Times
In order for the Seahawks to come through with a win this week, they are going to need to put pressure on Murray. He is a very difficult quarterback to contain with the athleticism he has. Seattle has to find a way to put pressure on him without allowing him to get outside the pocket and make plays with his legs.
Pete Carroll and the Seattle coaching staff have always found ways to have some level of success on the defensive side of the ball. That will be the case once again this week.
Murray is still going to put up big numbers, but the Seahawks are going to find ways to slow him down. When everything is said and done, they will sack Murray three times. That will certainly help them towards winning this football game.
3. DK Metcalf Shreds The Arizona Secondary
Article Continues BelowComing into this week's matchup, the Cardinals are allowing 249.8 yards per game through the air. Going up against Wilson and the Seahawks' offense will not help that number. DK Metcalf is going to be a force to be reckoned with this week.
So far this season, Metcalf has racked up 45 catches for 816 yards and eight touchdowns. Last week, however, he was held to just two catches for 28 yards. Metcalf will be looking to take his frustration from last week out on the Cardinals.
Metcalf will be able to accomplish his goal. He will end up catching eight passes for 100 yards and a score. Those numbers will help propel the Seahawks' offense to a big-time performance against a decent all-around defense.
2. Russell Wilson Gets Back To Playing MVP Football
Following his dismal performance against the Rams last week, Wilson be in the same boat that Metcalf is in. He will be out to prove himself and show that the Seahawks should still be viewed as Super Bowl contenders.
Wilson is at his best in big games. This is an NFC West rivalry matchup, which always ends up being a big game, especially with these two teams deadlocked at 6-3. Once again, the superstar quarterback will rise to the occasion.
If Metcalf's numbers didn't give you an idea, Wilson will be putting up a big performance as well. He will end up throwing for 300 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. With that kind of a game turned in, the Seahawks will feel good about their chances to pull off a huge win.
1. The Seahawks Are Going To Pull Off A Close Win
Finally, the most important and only thing the Seahawks are worried about is the final score of this game. Beating the Cardinals is a must at this point in the season. If they fail to beat the Cardinals, they would no longer be at the top of the NFC West division.
Currently, the Seahawks and Cardinals are not the only two teams with a 6-3 record. The Rams also have a 6-3 record and the three teams are tied for the division lead. This game means more than most Week 11 games for the Seahawks and Cardinals.
We are predicting that the Seahawks will end up taking this game by a final score of 35-31. It will come down to the wire, but Seattle will be able to make the necessary plays to win the game. Led by Russell Wilson, the Seahawks will move to 7-3 on the year and the Cardinals will drop to 6-4.