Cardinals face Seahawks in pivotal NFC West divisional rematch

The Seattle Seahawks host their NFC West rival, the Arizona Cardinals, at Lumen Field in a Week 9 matchup that carries significant weight for both squads. The two teams previously met in Week 2, a game in which Seattle secured a 31-7 victory. However, both organizations have experienced shifting momentum since that early-season meeting.

Entering Sunday's contest, the Seahawks hold a 4-4 record but are looking to bounce back following a home blowout loss to Chicago. Meanwhile, the Cardinals sit at 3-5 overall, boasting a curious trend of securing all three of their previous wins on the road against tough opponents, including a dramatic overtime comeback against the Dallas Cowboys last week.

Arizona's offense will feature veteran quarterback Gardner Minshew under center. Minshew earned the starting nod after coming off the bench in the fourth quarter last week to throw three touchdown passes against Dallas. The performance, combined with the presence of rookie Carson Beck, led the Cardinals to part ways with Jacoby Brissett in a trade with the Baltimore Ravens.

For Minshew, the game marks a sentimental return to the Pacific Northwest, where he starred as a collegiate quarterback at Washington State under former coach Mike Leach. Despite playing for six different NFL teams across eight seasons, Minshew expressed excitement about returning to the region and leading his current squad.

The Cardinals will be operating without rookie running back Jeremiyah Love, who is sidelined due to a high ankle sprain. Nevertheless, the offense hopes to build upon a strong rushing performance from Tyler Allgeier, who broke off long runs during last week's comeback victory.

On the other side, the Seahawks enter the game facing roster challenges. The team opened as heavy favorites, but that point spread dropped following news that Sam Darnold would be sidelined with a quad injury, leaving Seattle's offense in a more precarious position against an opportunistic Arizona squad.

The divisional showdown kicks off on Sunday afternoon, with national television coverage provided by Fox. As both teams navigate injuries and adjustments in the second half of the season, the outcome will significantly impact the competitive landscape of the NFC West.