Good afternoon, 12s.
Here's a look at what's "out there" for today - Friday, Nov. 13 - about your Seahawks (4-4), two days before the team takes on the NFC West-leading Arizona Cardinals (6-2) on Sunday Night Football at Seattle's CenturyLink Field.
The Picks Are In
ESPN.com NFL Nation reporters Sheil Kapadia (Seahawks) and Josh Weinfuss (Cardinals) share their picks and predictions for Week 10, with each writer seeing an Arizona victory.
Kapadia, who picks the Cardinals to win 24-20, says, "Seahawks opponents have sacked Russell Wilson 17.8 percent of the time when they've blitzed this season. That's the highest rate for any quarterback in the NFL, according to ESPN Stats & Information, and the biggest reason why the aggressive Cardinals defense has an edge Sunday night. On the other side of the ball, it would not be a surprise ifRichard Sherman, Earl Thomas & Co. slowed down Carson Palmer. The Seahawks' defense carries a streak of eight straight quarters without giving up a touchdown. Look for a close battle decided in the final two minutes."
Weinfuss, who takes the Cardinals 24-17, writes, "Between Seattle's penchant for losing when opposing quarterbacks throw for 200 or more yards (1-4) or when running backs eclipse 100 yards (1-3), expect Arizona to pound the ball early and often to open up the passing game. The Cardinals will establish control early and hold on to it when the passing game takes hold."
Elliot Harrison at NFL.com sees the Seahawks winning a close one, 22-21, "Oh man, what a contest Sunday night. Sure hope it beats last year's Sunday-nighter between these two teams, when Marshawn Lynch plowed right through the Arizona secondary while Russell Wilson pulled a Roger Staubach from his Navy days okie-doke on the sweetest short touchdown run you'll ever see. If Seattle is to have hopes of winning a third straight NFC West crown, this one qualifies as a must-win, as a Cardinals victory would put Arizona up three games with a head-to-head advantage and only seven games to play. Hashtag relevant."
Don Banks at SI.com thinks the Seahawks will win at home, 27-24, "This is the game that will set up the rest of the season in the NFC West race. The Cardinals lost twice to Seattle last year after holding a two-game lead over the defending division champs at midseason, but that was with Drew Stanton and Ryan Lindleystarting at quarterback in Weeks 12 and 16. The last time Carson Palmerfaced Seattle, Arizona won at CenturyLink Field in Week 16 of 2013 (somehow, despite four Palmer interceptions). The Cardinals can take a commanding three-game lead over the Seahawks with the win, but Seattle knows what's at stake and should be prepared to play as if its playoffs hopes are on the line. If the Seahawks are to make the most of its three-game homestand against Arizona, San Francisco and Pittsburgh, getting this first victory is paramount."
Pete Prisco at CBSSports.com has Arizona winning, 27-26, "This is an enormous game for both teams for different reasons. The Cardinals need to show they are the real deal in the division, while the Seahawks need it to have a chance to win the division. I can't wait to see the Cardinals offense against the Seattle defense. If Arizona goes up there and attacks, they will win. I think they do."
Peter Schrager at FOXSports.com likes the Seahawks to defend their home turf, 20-16, "The Seahawks are my sneaky team to watch in the NFC. Including last week's bye, they have three straight home games now, meaning an unprecedented 35 straight days of sleeping in their own beds. They've got all their NFC West opponents playing in their building in front of the 12s over the next two months, and one of the best defenses in the game. I like Seattle here, and think that Week 17 game in Arizona could end up being a big, big one for both teams."
Danny O'Neil at 710Sports.com predicts a 27-23 win for Seattle, "NFL players are discovering what the rest of the country has known for a long time: Arizona is a heck of a place to spend your twilight years. First, it was Kurt Warner, who led the Cardinals to a Super Bowl. Now it's Carson Palmer. And Larry Fitzgerald. And Chris Johnson. The Seahawks have won four of the past five meetings in this series, but that one loss is significant. It was December 2013, which was the first home loss in Russell Wilson's Seahawks career."
Three of five people polled at the Seattle Times pick the Seahawks to win, including celebrity guesser and Seahawks Pro Football Hall of Fame wideout Steve Largent, who says, "Seattle's defense is coming on and the offensive line is coming together. Home-field advantage is huge! What to watch: quarterback Carson Palmer, receiver Larry Fitzgerald and the Cardinals' pass rush. For the Seahawks, the running game is key to victory!"
Nine of 13 NFL experts at ESPN.com are picking the Seahawks to win.
Three of eight NFL analysts at CBSSports.com like Seattle over Arizona.
And three of five NFL.com Around The League writers predict a Seattle victory.
Tweet Of The Day
Today's "Tweet of the Day" comes from Seahawks coach @PeteCarroll, who wishes 12s a happy Blue Friday.
More From Around The Web
Here at Seahawks.com, digital media reporter John Boyle says the Seahawks are looking for another strong finish to the second half of their season and previews Sunday's matchup with Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer, who played under Carroll at USC.
Leading up to Sunday night's game, Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman and Cardinals wideout Larry Fitzgerald talked about the respect they share for one another.
With tight end Luke Willson (toe) practicing in full yesterday, the Seahawks are as close to full health as they've been in a while.
Seattle players responded to late-night talk show host Jimmy Fallon's latest superlatives segment with a superlatives segment of their own directed at Fallon.
Michael Bennett celebrates his 30th birthday today and in the entertaining defensive end's honor we rank his Top 30 quotes of all-time.
Coach Carroll commented on the condition of wide receiver Ricardo Lockette in a Friday morning interview with KIRO Radio's Dori Monson.
Bob Condotta at the Seattle Times names five Seahawks that could be particularly intriguing to watch against the Cardinals and looks at the different approaches the Seahawks and Cardinals have used to build their offensive lines.
Danny O'Neil at 710Sports.com says limiting big passing plays will be key to a Seattle victory over Arizona.
Sheil Kapadia at ESPN.com previews free safety Earl Thomas' important role in Sunday night's game against Arizona.
And fan voting for the 2016 Pro Bowl is now open.
D*id I miss anything you think is worthy of inclusion? Let me know on Twitter *
