Three Bold Predictions for the Seahawks‑Cardinals Showdown (Week 9)

The Seattle Seahawks are staring at a must‑win this weekend. After a gut‑wrenching 17‑14 loss to the Chicago Bears that knocked them back to .500, the 4‑4 Hawks are hosting the Arizona Cardinals at Lumen Field. The Cardinals, fresh off a confidence‑boosting victory over Dallas, sit at 3‑5 and will be eager to keep the momentum rolling.

It’s a classic matchup of a team looking to rebound versus a squad trying to cement a winning streak. And while the scoreboard will tell the final story, we think a few key moments could tilt the balance. Below are three bold predictions that, if they happen, should give Seattle the boost it so desperately needs.

1. Zach Charbonnet finally reaches the end zone. The 22‑year‑old running back finally made his season debut in Week 8 after a whirlwind rehab from a torn ACL. He logged 23 yards on six carries and a modest six‑yard reception against the Bears. Not spectacular, but it showed the rust is peeling off. As his knee regains full confidence, the coaching staff will likely give him a few more carries each game. We reckon that extra love will pay off before the half‑hour mark, and Charbonnet will punch it in for his first touchdown of the year.

2. The Seahawks' front seven piles on at least five sacks. Seattle’s defensive line, anchored by Byron Murphy II, showed a flash of brilliance in the Week 2 showdown with Arizona, sacking then‑starter Jacoby Brissett twice. This time the pressure will be on Gardner Minshew, who’s been on a roller‑coaster since taking over the reins. The ‘Dark Side’ defense loves to get after the quarterback, and we anticipate a relentless pass rush that results in a minimum of five sacks – a rare feat that could swing momentum in Seattle’s favor.

3. Rookie quarterback Jalen Milroe gets his first snaps. Drew Lock, the veteran backup who helped Seattle dominate the Cardinals in Week 2, is expected to start. After a solid performance in Week 8 where both Minshew and Tyler Allgeier helped engineer a 14‑point fourth‑quarter comeback, the coaching staff will feel comfortable enough to hand the ball to the young Milroe for a few plays. If the Seahawks build a comfortable lead early, we predict Coach Winston will give Milroe a taste of NFL action – his inaugural appearance of the season.

All three predictions hinge on Seattle playing with the confidence they displayed in that early-season blowout. If Charbonnet scores, the pass rush dominates, and Milroe gets his debut, the Hawks not only nail the win but also send a clear message to the NFC race: they’re still very much in the conversation.

Stay tuned, and enjoy the drama. Whether the predictions hold up or not, Week 9 promises fireworks for Seahawks fans.