Raising Zona
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Arizona Cardinals vs. Seattle Seahawks: Preview, prediction

By Vijay Singaraju

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Dec 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Justin Bethel (28) intercepts a pass intended for Green Bay Packers wide receiver James Jones (89) in the second quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Justin Bethel (28) intercepts a pass intended for Green Bay Packers wide receiver James Jones (89) in the second quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

As it has been all season, it will come down to the Cardinals defense. Heading into last week’s game against the Packers many questioned how the defense would perform without Tyrann Mathieu against Aaron Rodgers. The defense exceeded expectations. The same question will be asked heading into this game as the defense will be playing without linebacker Markus Golden, who is nursing a knee injury.

Good news for the Cardinals is that the Seahawks will be playing without two starters on the offensive line. Against the Packers, the defensive sacked Aaron Rodgers 9 times, with 2 of these being strip sacks. If the defensive line can have a repeat performance against the Seahawks, it will be good tidings heading into the playoffs.

The biggest wild card in this game is Russell Wilson, who has been named a sleeper candidate in the MVP race. Since the loss to the Cardinals in November, Wilson has thrown 21 touchdowns and 1 touchdown. The defense will need to close up any passing lanes and also the running lanes as Wilson has been known to make plays with his feet.  Like Rodgers did last week, Wilson will be targeting Justin Bethel and hopefully he can have a repeat performance from last week.

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Odds:

Arizona -6.5

O/U 47

Prediction:

There many things that depend on this game. The Cardinals have an outside shot at the number 1 seed in the NFC and will need to beat the Seahawks and the Buccaneers beat the Panthers. Also, this will be Palmer’s last chance to tilt the MVP argument in his favor. Finally, sweeping Seattle will do so many things for this team’s psyche. With the all the things in play for this game, the way the defense is playing and it being a home game there’s too many things going for the Arizona Cardinals for them to lose this game. Bruce Arians is going for the throat punch and will do anything and everything to coach this team to victory. Cardinals 34 Seattle 28

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