Week 14: Arizona at Seattle

Arizona gets to play a meaningful game in December for once. Seattle gets to play yet another one – as usual.

This game has playoff significance for both teams. Seattle would clinch the NFC West and the home playoff game that goes with a division title with a victory – the Seahawks would then be three up with three to play and would win the tiebreaker with Arizona.

The Cardinals, on the other hand, could pull within a game of Seattle with a victory. And they can look back to Week 2 if they need confidence – they edged Seattle at home then.

Both teams won in dramatic fashion last week. Seattle won its fourth consecutive game, helped by a couple of goal-line stands against Philadelphia, 28-24. Arizona nipped Cleveland 27-21 – the Browns almost scored on a last-second, 37-yard TD pass, but Kellen Winslow Jr. was ruled out of bounds on the catch.

The Seahawks are undoubtedly healthier than Arizona. The Cardinal may be without their top two receivers, and if they have them, it’s very doubtful either Larry Fitzgerald (groin) or Anquan Boldin (dislocated toe) will be at full strength. Still, QB Kurt Warner is playing superbly and, given the importance of the game, either WR will probably play if he can walk. RB Edgerrin James should also contribute – he gained 114 rushing yards last week as the Cardinals scored at least 27 points for the fourth week in a row. That’s the first time in 19 years Arizona has done that.

You may have forgotten how long it’s been since there has been reason for hope in the desert. Consider this: The Cardinals have their best record after 12 games since 1999, when they also were 6-6. At the moment, Arizona is tied with Minnesota and Detroit for the second NFC wild-card spot.

Seattle got a great game from LB Lofa Tatupu last week, who intercepted Eagle QB A.J. Feeley three times and also had 11 tackles. “He’s a great football player, absolutely the leader of the defense,” Seattle coach Mike Holmgren said after that performance.

QB Matt Hasselbeck has also continued his strong season for Seattle, which has come despite the fact that his receivers have often been hurt. And RB Shaun Alexander returned to take the primary spot back from Maurice Morris, who still contributed far more per average carry than Alexander. The Seahawks are looking like a playoff team once again, and their homefield advantage at Qwest Field is one of the best in America.

Seattle by 4