Seattle Seahawks take the lead in NFC West after key win

The Seattle Seahawks faced a tough situation as they prepared for their crucial NFC West game against the Arizona Cardinals, held on December 8, 2024. Running back Kenneth Walker III was ruled out due to ankle and calf injuries, having not practiced during the week leading up to the game. This development came as the Seahawks were striving to maintain their position at the top of the NFC West standings, holding a narrow one-game lead over the Cardinals and the Los Angeles Rams. Walker, in his 10 games this season, had contributed significantly to the Seahawks’ offense with 542 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. The stakes were high for both teams as they entered this crucial matchup. The Seahawks had recently achieved a victory over the New York Jets, allowing them to hold a 7-5 record going into the game against the Cardinals. This game was particularly significant, as a victory for Seattle would essentially give them a three-game advantage in the season series against Arizona, having already defeated them earlier in the season. The previous encounter saw the Seahawks emerge victorious, winning 16-6, and they were keen to replicate that success in their upcoming clash. In addition to Walker's absence, the Cardinals were also experiencing injury challenges, with starting safety Jalen Thompson being listed as questionable due to illness. Both teams understood that injuries can substantially affect the dynamics of the game, particularly when competing for a playoff spot and a division title. While the Rams were also in the mix for the division lead, the Seahawks were determined to solidify their position and make a playoff push. Despite concerns over injuries and previous performance jitters, both teams prepared intensely for this matchup. The Seahawks, who sought to continue their dominance over the Cardinals, had won six consecutive meetings since 2022, highlighting their recent success against this rival. Meanwhile, the Cardinals were under pressure to regain momentum, as they battled to stay within striking distance of the playoffs. As the NFC West began to tighten, the upcoming game loomed large in the context of both teams' playoff aspirations.