Seattle Favored to Win NFC West After Beating Arizona, Cardinals’ Odds Fade to +350
- The Seattle Seahawks are now +100 favorites to win the NFC West
- Seattle beat the Arizona Cardinals 28-21 on Thursday, improving to 7-3
- See updated odds to win the NFC West, along with analysis and our best bet below
Have the Seattle Seahawks supplied a little clarity to the tight, three-team race for the NFC West title? The oddsmakers appear to be of that opinion.
Seattle’s 28-21 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday impressed the betting houses. Bookmakers are now establishing the 7-3 Seahawks as +100 favorites to win the NFC West in the NFL divisional odds.
The 6-3 Los Angeles Rams, who beat Seattle 23-16 in Week 10, are the second betting choice at +175. The 6-4 Cardinals have fallen to a distant +350.
2020 NFC West Odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Seattle Seahawks | +100 |
| Los Angeles Rams | +175 |
| Arizona Cardinals | +350 |
| San Francisco 49er | +6000 |
Odds taken Nov. 20 at FanDuel
Seattle’s role as the chalk improved considerably. Prior to Thursday’s outcome, Seattle was the +150 choice to win the NFC West. The Rams (+180) and Cardinals (+205) were both well within striking distance.
Seahawks Show Balance
Seattle had lost three of four games heading into Thursday’s showdown. There were two versions of the Seahawks in play – the team that crisply opened 5-0 and the evil twin that then went 1-3. Which was the real team, and which was the mirage?
Based on what was seen Thursday, Seattle looks to be closer to the former than the latter. Running back Carlos Hyde returned to the lineup, and immediately, there was balance again in the Seahawks’ attack.
Carlos Hyde delivers the BOOM 💥 pic.twitter.com/bH7Q0XGZNo
— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) November 20, 2020
Hyde and number one RB Chris Carson both missed the previous three games with injuries. With a capable runner, Seattle was able to balance its attack. The Seahawks ran the ball 31 times, and they also protected it better. They didn’t commit any turnovers.
Seattle’s defense, the NFL’s worst entering the game, also flexed their muscles. Arizona’s offense was leading the NFL in total yards (425.4) and rushing yards (168.9) per game. Seattle limited the Cardinals to 57 yards on the ground.
.@Carlos_Dunlap SACK ON KYLER MURRAY TO END THE GAME!!!#AZvsSEA: https://t.co/2cxHPcAjwx pic.twitter.com/QKGyn24UJz
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) November 20, 2020
With newcomer Carlos Dunlap leading the way with two sacks, the Seahawks delivered three sacks, and seven hits to Cards quarterback Kyler Murray. Seattle has recorded 13 sacks in the past three games. The Seahawks had nine through the first seven games.
Not Ready For Prime Time
The Cardinals are certainly a team to watch for the future. They may very well be a wildcard team in this postseason. But they’ve also shown enough inconsistency that they can’t be considered ready to win the division yet. True contenders don’t lose games to teams like the Lions and Panthers.
The Seahawks displayed their experience in these clutch conditions. They rose to the occasion on Thursday and delivered their most complete game of the season when it was absolutely needed.
Sheeeeeesh. pic.twitter.com/QlAqjborJE
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) November 20, 2020
They shut down Cards All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. He had five catches and just 51 yards.
Another concern for Arizona – Murray appeared to be favoring his shoulder. The danger in being a double-threat QB like him is that he endures plenty of punishment. Is it taking a toll on his physical well-being?
How The NFC West Will Be Won
Looking at the remaining schedule, it clearly favors the Seahawks. Seattle gets the Eagles (3-5-1), Giants (3-7), Jets (0-9), and Washington Football Team (2-7) over the next four games.
That looks like four more wins. Then comes a home rematch with the Rams before closing out against the 4-6 49ers.
The Seahawks hang on to beat the Cardinals and take the top spot in the NFC West 💥 pic.twitter.com/BgNcvWwVas
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) November 20, 2020
The Rams must deal with Tampa Bay (7-3) and Arizona (twice), as well as the 4-5 Patriots.
The Seahawks certainly hit some rough the road for about a month. But when they were required to come up big, they delivered the goods.
That’s what championship teams do.
Pick: Seattle Seahawks (+110)
An industry veteran, Bob literally taught the course on the history of sports at Elder College. He has worked as a Sports Columnist for Postmedia, appeared as a guest on several radio stations, was the Vice President of the Society For International Hockey Research in Ontario, and written 25 books.
