2022 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 9

Seattle Seahawks (5-3) at Arizona Cardinals (3-5)

Sunday, November 6, 4:05 PM ET

One of only two games in the late-afternoon window this coming weekend is a matchup against two NFC West teams whose seasons have gone just about the opposite of what everyone predicted going into the year.

The Seattle Seahawks have become one of the best teams in the NFL with the play of Geno Smith and the emergence of rookie running back Kenneth Walker. Seattle has three losses this season but they have played teams tough every single week, and the Cardinals had better be ready for a really efficient team all-around that doesn’t make a lot of bad mistakes and can absolutely bleed you out over the course of four quarters.

Not only that, but even without Russell Wilson, the big play has still been there for Seattle. It’s hard to say a 5-3 team is firing on all cylinders but you just see them play so well week in and week out, even though they’re not without flaws.

The Cardinals, on the other hand, are extremely flawed. I don’t think anyone really knows what to make of this team. I bought in last week after their dominating Thursday night win over the Saints but they couldn’t find a way to win a close game against the Vikings. And the great teams find ways to win.

Even playing at home in this game, I just don’t love the Cardinals against such a balanced team like Seattle right now.

Prediction: Seahawks win 31-27