NFL Week 16 Sunday Night Football Schedule & Predictions: Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals [VOTE]
The Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals will play each other on Sunday night at 8:30 p.m. EST in a classic NFC West duel.
Make no mistake about, this is by far the biggest game of the season so far. These two teams have a combined 21-7 record, and they are each eyeing the No. 1 seed in the NFC for home field advantage. This will be the second time these two teams face off this season.
Let's break down the teams and see who has the edge:
Seattle Seahawks (10-4)
The defending Super Bowl champions got off to a slow 3-3 start. But that's all in the past after the Seahawks have won seven of their last eight games. The Seahawks have one of the best home field advantages in the league, and if they can get the No. 1 spot (again), a conference championship is almost certain.
The Seahawks defense is playing elite as usual ranking first in yards given up and second in points allowed. The "Legion of Boom" secondary led by Richard Sherman ranks No. 1 in pass defense. There's no doubt about it, the Seahawks' defense is back. Linebacker Bobby Wagner has been playing outstanding lately.
For the second consecutive season Michael Bennett leads the team in sacks.
Don't sleep on the Seahawks offense. Marshawn Lynch has 1,133 rushing yards, and has eclipsed the 1,000 yard mark for the fourth consecutive season. Thanks to Lynch, the Seahawks have the best rushing attack in all of football. Quarterback Russell Wilson doesn't throw for huge yards, but he protects the football very well. Wilson has just six interceptions this season, and continues to make big plays in big moments.
If the Seahawks defeat the Cardinals, they will then become the leader of the NFC West. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals earlier in the season, and with a win here, they would have a superior divisional record.
The Seahawks will finish their season against the Rams at home in Week 17.
Arizona Cardinals (11-3)
Don't look now, but the Cardinals have the best record in the NFL.
At 11-3, the Cardinals sit atop the NFC thanks to Bruce Arians' astonishing coaching abilities. Most likely Arians will be named "Coach of the Year" this season. The Cardinals have had their doubters all season long, but they just keep proving them wrong.
In Week 12, the Cardinals lost to the Seahawks, 19-3. Although it was an embarrassing defeat, that game was played in Seattle. This time the Cardinals will have the opportunity to avenge their loss at home, where they are a perfect 7-0 this season.
Obviously the biggest issue for this team is quarterback. Carson Palmer (who was 6-0) tore his ACL, Drew Stanton has a knee injury, and Ryan Lindley is most likely going to get the start against the Seahawks. Lindley is a former sixth round draft pick who has never thrown a touchdown pass in his four starts.
Good news for Cardinals fans: star wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald will most likely play Sunday night.
The Cardinals have a great rush defense, which will be needed to slow down Lynch. To contain Wilson from extending plays outside the pocket, defensive coordinator Todd Bowles may want to blitz linebackers from the outside.
The Cardinals will finish their season against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 17.
Schedule, Where to Watch
The Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals will play each other on Sunday night at 8:30 p.m. EST on NBC. The game will be played at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. You can view a live game stream here.
Predictions
What a game this promises to be.
Both teams are fighting for the No.1 seed in the NFC, and something's got to give. The Cardinals are undefeated at home this season, but quarterback play will hold them back. Expect this to be a close game from start to finish. The Seahawks will make a few more big plays and capitalize late.
Seahawks win 17-13
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