The November 9, 2025 NFC West showdown between the Arizona Cardinals and the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field brings together two teams at very different stages of their competitive timelines—one rebuilding, one reloading—but both with something to prove as divisional rivals jockey for identity and direction. The Seahawks enter Week 10 as one of the NFC’s most consistent performers, sitting near the top of the division thanks to a balanced offense, a rejuvenated defense, and a renewed sense of rhythm under head coach Pete Carroll. The Cardinals, meanwhile, arrive in Seattle trying to halt a losing streak that has exposed their lack of depth and playmaking consistency, though their effort and competitiveness have kept them in games longer than their record might suggest. For Seattle, the emergence of quarterback Sam Darnold as a steady, mistake-free leader has changed the complexion of their offense. Once viewed as a stopgap, Darnold has thrived in Shane Waldron’s system, using timing, accuracy, and decisiveness to distribute the ball to a talented receiving corps led by DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Smith-Njigba, in particular, has blossomed into one of the league’s most productive young receivers, providing a reliable option over the middle while Metcalf continues to command attention deep. The ground game, powered by Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet, remains one of Seattle’s key advantages, capable of wearing down opposing defenses and setting up explosive play-action opportunities. Against Arizona’s struggling front seven, Seattle will look to control the line of scrimmage early, sustain drives, and force the Cardinals’ defense into uncomfortable mismatches in space. Defensively, the Seahawks have reestablished their trademark physicality, with their front seven playing disciplined and aggressive football.

Bobby Wagner’s veteran leadership and rookie Devon Witherspoon’s versatility have solidified both the run defense and secondary, while Uchenna Nwosu and Boye Mafe continue to generate consistent pass-rush pressure. Their ability to contain mobile quarterbacks will be tested against Kyler Murray, whose improvisational ability remains Arizona’s biggest wild card. For the Cardinals, this game is less about playoff positioning and more about pride and progress. Head coach Jonathan Gannon continues to emphasize physicality and accountability, but the losses of running back James Conner and several key starters have left the offense reliant on younger, less proven playmakers. Murray’s playmaking flashes remain their best chance to compete—his ability to extend plays and create chunk gains downfield to receivers like Michael Wilson, Greg Dortch, and rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. (if active) will be critical against a Seattle secondary that has thrived on forcing turnovers. Arizona’s offensive line must handle Seattle’s pass rush better than it did in previous matchups, or the Cardinals risk falling behind early. Defensively, Arizona’s young unit has shown grit but remains inconsistent, particularly in red-zone defense and third-down stops. The key for them will be limiting Walker’s runs between the tackles and preventing big plays off play action—a task easier said than done against a multi-layered Seahawks offense. From a betting and performance standpoint, Seattle’s home-field advantage and impressive 71% ATS cover rate give them a significant edge, especially given Arizona’s history of narrow losses and second-half fades. For the Cardinals to have a chance, they must start fast, protect the football, and capitalize on turnovers—something they’ve struggled with all season. The Seahawks, on the other hand, simply need to play within themselves—efficient, disciplined, and physical. Expect Seattle to control tempo, dominate the trenches, and gradually pull away in the second half, with the better-coached, deeper team asserting its superiority in front of one of the loudest home crowds in the NFL. While Arizona’s effort may keep it respectable early, Seattle’s depth and execution should carry the day, reaffirming their status as a legitimate contender in the NFC West.