The Arizona Cardinals are an odd team. They have some flashy talent at key positions. They have played the NFC elite as if they were one of them, losing by just three points to the undefeated Eagles and by one score versus the Vikings in Minnesota after leading multiple times. They gave Seattle a physical and tough game a few weeks back, slowing down what had been a high-powered Seahawks offense. The only team to hold Geno Smith and company to fewer points this season was the San Francisco 49ers back in week two when they had not found their identity.

Yet, they are 3-5, are ranked a dismal 30th in DVOA, and 30th in PFF overall grading. They have some significant injuries with their starting center, Rodney Hudson, still out. Their left tackle, DJ Humphries, missed the game against the Vikings and is day-to-day heading into this week. A third starting linemen, Max Garcia, also missed the game last week. James Conner, their starting running back, has missed a lot of time and may miss this game as well. Hollywood Brown was put on IR after the Seahawks game. They have some reinforcements, though, as DeAndre Hopkins and Robbie Anderson add to the receiving corps.

Kyler Murray plays at a different level when Hopkins is on the field, connecting with him for at least 10 catches and at least 100 yards in both games he has played this season. He had 12 catches in 13 targets for 159 yards and a touchdown against Minnesota. Murray struggled to pass against Seattle in week six, and was sacked six times. He did run for 100 yards.

One of the biggest factors in the first matchup was that the Seahawks offensive line struggled more than maybe any other game this season. Smith was sacked a season-high 5 times, and he admitted to playing less than his best game.

There is little doubt that Seattle is the better team in this game. Their defense has been the best in the NFL the last three weeks. Their offense is balanced and smart. Their special teams has finally found a way to contribute to wins instead of being an obstacle. Arizona is officially favored, but you can be sure Seahawks fans are expecting a victory, maybe a first heading into a game this year.

Arizona is fighting for their season in this game. Seattle will be up against a desperate team with real talent and a defense that made life tough on them in the first matchup. I want the Seahawks to win this, but my gut is telling me this could be a slip-up against a hungry home division foe. This season can’t just be all fun. Can it?

The way this works: Each offense will be pitted against the opposing defense and compared on an array of key statistical attributes based on their respective rank in the NFL. The tables that follow show the rank of each unit for each of these categories.

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Seahawks Offense vs Cardinals Defense

Cardinals key advantages on defense

Looking at that chart would leave you thinking there are not many places where the Cardinals have an advantage. After giving up just 19 points to the Seahawks, Arizona went right back to giving up a ton of points with both of their last two opponents scoring 34 points. One clear advantage they will have this time is what can be a loud home crowd helping them get off the ball.

Markus Golden was a handful in Seattle, with 5 pressures. Cornerback Antonio Hamilton gave D.K. Metcalf all he could handle. It will be interesting to see if Metcalf comes back looking to prove a point after they jawed a lot. Budda Baker is an impact defender even if he has not been quite the same level of player so far this season. Isaiah Simmons is a hyper-athletic linebacker who can cause problems, and J.J. Watt still has a big play or two in him.

How is this defense so bad? Hopefully we find out on Sunday.

Seahawks key advantages on offense

Smith should be better equipped to identify and adjust to Cardinals blitzes this time around. However, he did get hit a few times against the blitzing Giants, so we may be finding an area of his game that is being challenged. I still like Smith’s chances to come back with renewed focus to make up for a game he admitted was not great versus Arizona the first time.

Kenneth Walker III has settled in as a starter and will command more attention than he did the first time. Dalvin Cook ran all over this Cards defense last week. Walker could be the key in this one. We have to hope Metcalf and Tyler Lockett are able to play and stay healthy. Lockett has had some huge games down in the desert.

Tight ends could be a factor in this one as well.

Cardinals Offense vs Seahawks Defense

Cardinals key advantages on offense

Hopkins is tough for anyone to slow down. Tariq Woolen may get tested more than he has in past weeks. Arizona could try to isolate Hopkins on Coby Bryant in the slot or test Michael Jackson like the Giants did.

Zach Ertz led the Cardinals in receiving the first time these teams played and will be likely featured again. Ryan Neal could be a big factor.

Murray is always fast, but is even faster on the turf in Arizona. His scrambling ability is something to watch.

Seahawks key advantages on defense

Seattle faces another injured offensive line. They had a lot of success against Arizona the first time. Darrell Taylor seems unlikely to play, but had a big game with a strip sack against Murray in Seattle. Quinton Jefferson had one of his better games, as did Bryan Mone.

Bruce Irvin was not yet on the team, and has been an impact player in his short time back. Uchenna Nwosu has been coming on strong and might be a great speed rusher down there.