2021 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 18

Seattle Seahawks (6-10) at Arizona Cardinals (11-5)

Sunday, January 9, 4:25PM ET

Right now, the Seattle Seahawks have nothing to play for. They’re already out of the race, while the Cardinals have plenty at stake in Week 18. You better believe they’ll turn it up to 11 when the Seahawks come knocking for their final regular-season game.

After suffering through a three-game losing streak, the Cardinals finally broke out of their rut by chopping down the Cowboys. Every team brings its own fair share of challenges, but Arizona should be in a good place to shut down whatever the Seahawks have to throw at them. Then again, Seattle will be looking to play spoiler and send the Cardinals down the standings.

Based on this game, Arizona could land anywhere from the fifth seed to the second seed. They still have the ability to steal the NFC West crown from the Rams, although that would entail the Rams losing to the 49ers. Either way, the possibilities are endless and the Cardinals can’t afford to roll over in this one.

Kyler Murray keeps the momentum from Week 17, taking it to a Seattle secondary that loves to bend and occasionally break. Russell Wilson plays well and likely gets some help from Rashad Penny, but the Seahawks still fall short as their divisional foes go into the postseason with two consecutive wins under their belts.

Prediction: Cardinals win 31-24 | Spread: Cardinals (-6.5)