The Seahawks meet the Cardinals at home off three straight victories, one of them against the Cardinals. The Seahawks have a much improved defense since the start of the season. There is now no defensive category that Seattle doesn't lead the Cardinals in the last three games, against roughly similar competition. The Cardinals' defense is struggling against the run which plays to Seattle's fine young running back Walker III. Arizona has also allowed a 93 average passer rating compared to 76 for the Seahawks in their last three games.
With the return of Hopkins, there has been an uptick in the Cardinals' passing game, however the Cardinals' O line has not protected Murray well and the Seahawks are averaging nearly 5 sacks a game and 71 pressures. The Cardinals' pass rush will have a good crack at Smith, but Smith has the benefit of much better running backs.
Geno Smith has been an eye-opener this year, with an average passer rating 20 points higher than Murray's. He has thrown for more TDs than Murray and with half the picks. He is accurate and, surprise, he can run too, although not as well as Murray. While he doesn't have Hopkins he does have a fine pair of targets in Metcalf and Lockett.
Seattle is a very well-directed team, and has been successful in addressing their weaknesses on the fly. Other than the return of Hopkins, it has been status quo for Arizona. Arizona must win or no, road or no, I am wagering that Seattle will win this game or at least cover.