Arizona could be one of the most underrated teams in the NFL this season as the Cardinals possess one of the best run defenses under coordinator Tom Boyles. Boyles employs a hybrid defense that utilizes speed and pressure to contain opposing quarterbacks who like to move the chains with their legs. It is also well-known that Seattle’s offense is much more pedestrian on the road where the Seahawks are averaging just 18.2 points per game in Russell Wilson’s career. Please find below a our NFL betting preview between the Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals.
Seattle Offense:
- Seattle is averaging 26.2 points per game on 4.6 yards per rush play, 7.8 yards per pass attempt and 373 total yards (6.0 yards per play);
- The Seahawks are averaging 21.0 points per game on the road this season, including 5.2 yards per rush play, 6.9 yards per pass attempt and 6.0 yards per play;
- Overall, Seattle is 0.3 yards per rush play, 1.5 yards per pass attempt and 0.6 yards per play better than average offensively in 2013.
Arizona Defense:
- Arizona is allowing 21.2 points per game on 3.5 yards per rush play, 6.8 yards per pass attempt and 351 total yards (5.4 yards per play);
- The Cardinals are yielding 13.5 points per game at home this season at 3.6 yards per rush play, 7.1 yards per pass attempt and 5.9 yards per play;
- Overall, Arizona is 0.3 yards per rush play and 0.1 yards per play better than average defensively, while being 0.2 yards per pass play worse than average.
Based on the numbers above, Seattle maintains a decent advantage from the line of scrimmage on the offensive side of the ball. Specifically, the Seahawks have a 1.4 yards per pass attempt and 0.5 yards per play advantage offensively. However, Seattle will struggle to run the ball against Arizona’s front seven so the pressure will be on Russell Wilson to create plays with his arm.
Arizona takes the field with a sub-par offense that is 0.6 yards per rush play, 0.2 yards per pass attempt and 0.3 yards per play worse than average in 2013. Meanwhile, Seattle enters tonight’s game with a stop unit that is 0.2 yards per rush play, 0.5 yards per pass play and 0.3 yards per play better than average. Clearly, Arizona will struggle to move the ball in this contest, although the disparity in talent (and statistics) is not as great as the amateur bettor may think. In addition, Seattle defensive end Chris Clemons (elbow) and linebacker Bobby Wagner (ankle) are both expected to miss tonight’s game due to injuries.
Technically speaking, Seattle is 17-7 ATS over the last two seasons, including 12-4 ATS versus conference opponents, 11-3 ATS following a home win and 12-4 ATS off a win. However, the Seahawks are 1-6 SU and ATS on the road in this series, while head coach Pete Carroll is 0-3 SU and ATS as a division road favorite.