Key Matchups In Seahawks vs. Cardinals

Beanie Wells vs. Seattle's Defensive line — Coming into this matchup  Beanie Wells, the Cardinals' bruising running back, has rushed for 183 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He's averaging 5.7 yards a carry.

Seattle brings a stingy defense, allowing an average of 3.1 yards per carry. Also, the Seahawks' defense — after two weeks — is ranked 15th overall against the run and allowing just 104.3 yards a game.

Seattle must be remain tough against the run again this week. They have the talent along the defensive line to shut down Arizona's rushing attack. The key will be how well Seattle's interior defensive line of Alan Branch and Brandon Mebane can plug holes and stop Wells from running. Arizona loves to use Wells powering between his center and guards.

If Seattle's defensive line can stop Well and Arizona's rushing attack, they will force Arizona to abandon the running game and go to the air. 

Prediction: Seattle's defensive line continues its mean streak and holds wells to less than 100 yards.

Sidney Rice vs. Arizona's secondary — Sidney Rice is returning from his injury this week. This will be his first official start as a Seahawk. He will be lining up against either A.J. Jefferson or Patrick Peterson. This will be an interesting matchup. Rice has the height advantage by three inches.

Prediction: With Rice back in the lineup, I predict he will give Seattle's offense a much needed boost. Look for Rice to contribute in the passing game.

Tavais Jackson Vs. Kevin Kolb — Arizona spent a lot to go out and get Kevin Kolb this year. But Arizona felt the trade was worth it and expect Kolb to be Arizona's franchise quarterback. Seattle went out and Picked up Jackson as a sort of stop loss after parting ways with Matt Haslebeck. Jackson has been anything but impressive this year. He has 356 passing yards on 41 completions and 2 touchdowns in just two games and has a quarterback rating of 80.1. Kolb on the other hand has 560 passing yards and 4 touchdowns and has a QB rating of 110.3.

Kolb is clearly the better quarterback on paper and seems to be clicking well with his offense. 

Prediction: I have to give this one to Kolb, he is clearly the better QB and has had time to learn from such quarterbacks as Donovan Mcnabb and Michael Vick.

Larry Fitzgerald Vs. Brandon Browner —I have been looking to see this matchup all week. And as I expected Seattle will line Browner up on Fitzgerald because of his size on the playing field. Browner is not the fastest guy on the field but his size makes up for it against more physical wideouts. Fitzgerald is averaging 19.5 yards a catch, a dangerous number so far, and Seattle has managed to only allow 210.5 passing yards a game and is ranked 12th overall in passing defense.

I will go on a limb and predict Seattle will be giving Browner some safety help up top against Fitzgerald, who is one of the most dangerous wide receivers in the conference.

Prediction: Browner's inexperience could end up hurting him in the end. I say Fitzgerald just barely wins out this matchup and will have a TD but fall shy of 100 yards.