express gazette logo
The Express Gazette
Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Seahawks favored in Week 4 Thursday Night Football as line shifts toward Seattle

Seattle’s high-scoring start and top EPA ranking drive a late-line swing against Arizona, with Kyler Murray facing a tougher task without James Conner.

Sports 5 months ago
Seahawks favored in Week 4 Thursday Night Football as line shifts toward Seattle

Seattle moved to a 1.5-point favorite over Arizona in Week 4’s Thursday Night Football, a rapid shift after the lines opened with Arizona favored by 2.5 points. The adjustment tracks a recent surge from the Seahawks, who have lit up the scoreboard in two straight games to total 75 points. Ball in hand, Seattle’s offense has looked more like its best self with Sam Darnold at quarterback, averaging 256.5 passing yards in wins over New Orleans and Pittsburgh. While whether those wins reflect full-season viability is debatable, bookmakers have rewarded the Seahawks for their efficiency, nudging the spread toward a near pick’em. AP Transitive property should always be taken with a grain of salt in sports.

Seattle ranks No. 2 in EPA per play, a measure of how much each play increases a team’s chance of scoring given down, distance, and field position. The Seahawks also sit among the league’s most efficient teams on both sides of the ball, with a top-10 mark in yards per play gained (5.6) and a top-10 mark in yards allowed per play (4.7). That balance — offense clicking and a disciplined defense limiting big plays — has helped Seattle post two strong showings in a short span as the season has unfolded. The line movement reflects a market that has grown more comfortable with Seattle’s offense and its ability to sustain drives and put points on the board late in games.

![]https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/Sam-Darnold.jpg?quality=75&strip=all&w=1024

Arizona, meanwhile, faces a tougher test without James Conner in the backfield. Kyler Murray will need to compensate for the loss as he ranks No. 16 overall in rushing attack, and moving the chains has come at a premium for a Cardinals offense that was outgained but won by a possession against New Orleans in their most recent game. The Cardinals have struggled to generate consistent offensive rhythm, and Murray’s ability to extend plays against Seattle’s pressure will be a critical factor in the result. The Cardinals also must contend with Seattle’s discipline and efficiency on the defensive side, which has limited opponents’ sustained drives in recent weeks. With Conner out, Arizona’s ground game has been thinner, making Murray’s aerial approach more critical than ever.

New York Post Betting’s breakdown notes the market shift toward Seattle as a reflection of both recent performance and the public’s confidence in the Seahawks’ framework. The play called by the outlet lists Seattle as the favorite at Seahawks -1.5 (-105) on FanDuel, signaling a blend of sharp and public support for Seattle’s direction. The analysis emphasizes that Week 4 lines can hinge on the latest tape and matchups, with Seattle’s improved output providing a compelling case for backing the home team in a primetime clash. The takeaway from the reporting is a market that has moved decisively toward Seattle, even as Arizona remains a dangerous opponent capable of high-end plays when Murray buys time and extends plays.

As the clock ticks toward kickoff, bettors will weigh Seattle’s recent efficiency against Arizona’s potential for explosive plays. The Seahawks have shown they can control tempo and pace, and their ability to sustain offensive drives could test a Cardinals defense that has not always found a consistent rhythm this season. Conversely, Arizona will rely on Murray’s improvisational skill to create chances downfield and to test Seattle’s ability to defend inside the pocket. The outcome could hinge on which unit imposes its brand of football first: Seattle’s efficient attack or Arizona’s big-play potential.

For fans and bettors, Thursday’s game will be a test of how quickly a team can translate recent success into a full-game blueprint. If Seattle’s offense continues to click and its defense clamps down on late drives, the Seahawks could push their momentum into Week 5. If Arizona matches with precision and keeps Murray clean, the Cardinals could turn the tide in another close game. Either way, the Week 4 matchup remains a focal point for a season in which the NFC West remains crowded and competitive, with the line reflecting a careful read on both sides’ evolving profiles.

![]https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/Kyler-Murray.jpg?w=1024


Sources