The NFC West is basically a blender. You throw in four teams, hit pulse, and hope nobody loses an ACL. But if you’ve been watching the Arizona Cardinals vs Seahawks lately, you know this specific matchup has evolved into something entirely unpredictable. It’s not just a game; it’s a weird, three-hour fever dream where logic goes to die.
Remember that 6-6 tie back in 2016? That was the peak of this rivalry’s beautiful absurdity. Since then, the vibe has shifted. Seattle has spent the last few years asserting a kind of dominance that honestly feels personal. As we move through the 2025-2026 cycle, the narrative isn't just about who wins—it’s about whether Arizona can finally stop the bleeding against a team that seems to have their number.
The Brutal Reality of the Numbers
If you’re a Cardinals fan, look away. The recent history of the Arizona Cardinals vs Seahawks is... well, it’s rough. Entering 2026, the Seahawks are riding a massive nine-game winning streak against the Redbirds. That dates all the way back to 2021.
Seattle now leads the all-time series 31-22-1. It’s not just that they’re winning; it’s how they’re doing it. In their most recent encounter on November 9, 2025, the Seahawks absolutely dismantled Arizona 44-22. It was a defensive clinic that turned into a blowout before the halftime hot dogs were even cold.
DeMarcus Lawrence—the veteran defensive end who’s played 12 seasons in the league—did something he’d never done before. He scored two defensive touchdowns in the same half. Both were fumble returns. Both looked identical. It was like a glitch in the Matrix. Tyrice Knight, filling in for the injured Ernest Jones IV, kept punching the ball out of Jacoby Brissett’s hands, and Lawrence was just there, waiting to scoop and score.
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What Most People Get Wrong About This Matchup
Most casual observers think the Cardinals' struggles are purely about the quarterback position. Sure, Kyler Murray and Jacoby Brissett have had their hands full, but the real issue has been the trenches.
The Seahawks' defense, now under Mike Macdonald’s mad-scientist schemes, has turned "havoc" into a weekly requirement. In that September 25, 2025, game at State Farm Stadium, the Seahawks held on for a 23-20 win, but it was the 6.0 sacks on Kyler Murray that told the story. Uchenna Nwosu was a man possessed, racking up 2.0 sacks himself despite DeMarcus Lawrence leaving that game early with a thigh injury.
People also underestimate how much the "12th Man" travels. When these teams meet in Glendale, half the stadium is neon green. It’s a home-away-from-home for Seattle, and that matters in a sport where momentum is everything.
Key Performance Markers in 2025
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba: The guy is a problem. He became the first NFL receiver to cross 1,000 yards in the 2025 season during the Week 10 blowout of Arizona.
- Trey McBride: If there’s a bright spot for the Cards, it’s him. He set an NFL record for tight end catches in 2025 and hauled in 9 balls for 127 yards in that November loss.
- Turnover Margin: In the last two meetings, Arizona has a combined turnover margin of -5. You can't win like that. Period.
The Injury Bug is Real
You can’t talk about Arizona Cardinals vs Seahawks without mentioning the medical tent. It’s been a revolving door. By the time the 2025 season wrapped up, the Cardinals' roster looked like a MASH unit.
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Darius Robinson, the first-round edge rusher Arizona desperately needed, was hampered by a groin injury. Max Melton dealt with concussions. Jonah Williams? Out. Paris Johnson Jr.? Hurt. It’s hard to build chemistry when your offensive line is a collection of "who’s that?" guys signed off the street on a Tuesday.
Seattle hasn't been immune, either. Jarran Reed’s wrist surgery was a blow to their interior rotation, and losing center Jalen Sundell to a knee injury late in the season forced them to get creative. But the difference is depth. Seattle’s "next man up" actually seems to know the playbook.
Why This Rivalry Still Matters
Even when the standings suggest a mismatch, this game produces moments that stick. Take the "Zachward Pass" from the 2025 season—a play so weird it’s already legendary. Sam Darnold threw a backward pass, the ball hit the ground, everyone stopped, and Zach Charbonnet realized it was a live ball. He scooped it up for a two-point conversion that eventually helped clinch a win.
That’s the essence of Arizona Cardinals vs Seahawks. It’s chaotic. It’s physical. It’s Sam Darnold somehow finding a career resurgence in the Pacific Northwest while the Cardinals try to figure out if they’re rebuilding or just reloading.
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What Really Happened with the Roster Shifts
The trade for Rashid Shaheed was a masterstroke by the Seattle front office. He made his debut against the Cardinals in November and immediately showed why he’s a threat, adding a vertical dimension that forced Arizona’s safeties—like the evergreen Budda Baker—to play deeper than they wanted. This opened up the underneath routes for Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp.
Arizona is in a spot where they have pieces—Trey McBride is arguably the best TE in the league right now—but they lack the cohesive identity that Macdonald has quickly installed in Seattle.
Actionable Insights for the Next Matchup
If you’re looking ahead to the 2026 meetings, here is what actually determines the outcome:
- Watch the First Quarter: In 2025, Seattle tied a franchise record with 21 first-quarter points against Arizona. If the Cards don't weather the initial storm, it's over by 2:00 PM.
- The Trey McBride Factor: Arizona’s offense lives and dies through the tight end. If Seattle brackets him, the Cardinals' wideouts (even Marvin Harrison Jr.) haven't shown they can consistently win one-on-one against Devon Witherspoon.
- Home Field (Lack Thereof): Arizona needs to find a way to reclaim State Farm Stadium. Until they stop the "Sea of Green" from taking over their building, the psychological edge remains with the visitors.
The next time these two face off, don't look at the record. Look at the injury report and the turnover stats from the first ten minutes. That's where the game is won.