Only four NFC teams have scored fewer points than the Cardinals this season. They barely escaped with wins over the 0-3 Saints and 1-2 Panthers. Last weekend they lost to an undefeated Niners squad missing its starting QB, starting TE, and two of its top three WRs.
Arizona is a soft 2-1 with major question marks surrounding an offense that just lost its longtime starting running back, and whose WR corps is essentially Marvin-Harrison-Jr.-or-bust. And yet, Harrison is averaging only about three catches for 47 yards per game and has flubbed the ball on two of his 17 targets. He's their clear-cut #1 wideout, but is playing like a #2.
In an aggressive scheme that executes efficiently, this could be the Vikings 2.0. Instead there are major warning signs. I discuss some of these on today's podcast, focusing on Murray's dwindling ceiling and floor. The advanced stats are pretty jarring. If their first three games had been against the Packers, Browns, and Broncos, it wouldn't matter much.
Some might point out that the Cards' schedule has been tougher than it seems, as Carolina is holding opposing QBs to only 9.8 fantasy points per contest. Surely that helps explain Murray's middling production. But the Panthers' other opponents were the Trevor-Lawrence-led Jaguars and the Michael-Penix-led (for now) Falcons. It's not that Arizona's opponents have high-end defenses. It's that the Cardinals have often struggled to move the ball.
This is why tonight's matchup is both intriguing and (if you're rostering any Cards) potentially stressful. Seattle arguably marks their toughest test so far. The Seahawks are yielding only 3.2 yards per carry and are the only NFL team that hasn't surrendered a rushing score. They're also #2 in the league with five interceptions, including two against Aaron Rodgers (who'd thrown only four picks in his previous 11 games) and two more against Brock Purdy.
Seattle's offense is more dynamic, with Zach Charbonnet likely to re-join Kenneth Walker in a backfield that surprisingly has struggled on the ground (3.3 YPC), but which is talented enough to right the ship. The receiving corps is led by the ascending Jaxon Smith-Njigba and is supported by Cooper Kupp and rookie Tory Horton. Sam Darnold has a fantastic weekly floor. This is a good offense poised to become a great offense.
But again, the thing I'm watching most closely tonight is the chemistry between Murray and Harrison. There's very little room for error in this offense, especially if Harrison doesn't get going. They can feed Trey McBride and Trey Benson only so much.
Final score prediction: Seahawks win 20-12. Leave your best prediction below.
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