Arizona Cardinals Week 18 Preview

Introduction

After a thrilling victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 17, the Arizona Cardinals are riding high as they head into Week 18. Winning 35-31 against a team that was favored by 11.5 points is no small feat, and it has certainly given the Cardinals a much-needed boost in confidence. As we dive into the stats from last week's game and compare them to our performance in Week 17, it’s clear that the Cardinals are making strides in various areas, even if the overall rankings might not reflect it just yet. With a matchup against the Seattle Seahawks looming, let’s break down the numbers and see what they tell us about our chances moving forward.

Power Ranking

The Cardinals currently sit at a power ranking of 29, with a win rate against a median opponent of just 34.0%. While this might not sound impressive, the victory over the Eagles could be a turning point. It’s important to remember that power rankings are often a reflection of past performances, and winning against a favored opponent can shift perceptions. The Cardinals have shown they can compete, and as they prepare for the Seahawks, they will need to channel that momentum to improve their standing.

Overall Drive Efficiency

In terms of overall drive efficiency, the Cardinals rank 24th in the league. This is a slight improvement from previous weeks, but still places them in the bottom half of the NFL. The offense managed to rack up 449 yards against the Eagles, showcasing a more potent attack than we've seen earlier in the season. However, the challenge remains to consistently convert those yards into points. If the Cardinals can maintain this offensive output, they could see their drive efficiency ranking rise significantly in the coming weeks.

Defensive Drive Efficiency

The Cardinals’ defense has been a bit of a rollercoaster ride this season, currently sitting at 27th in defensive drive efficiency. This ranking reflects their struggles to consistently halt opposing offenses. In the game against the Eagles, they allowed 31 points, which highlights the need for improvement in this area. The defense must tighten up, especially against a Seahawks team that can score in bunches if given the opportunity. If they can find a way to disrupt drives and force turnovers, it could be a game-changer.

Offensive Drive Efficiency

With an offensive drive efficiency ranking of 18th, the Cardinals have shown flashes of brilliance, but consistency has been elusive. The performance against the Eagles was a testament to their potential, as they managed to score 35 points. However, they must build on this success and find ways to sustain drives, especially as they face a Seahawks defense that has its own vulnerabilities. If the Cardinals can harness their offensive capabilities and convert drives into touchdowns, they could surprise many in the upcoming matchup.

Defensive Turnover Efficiency

The Cardinals rank 29th in defensive turnover efficiency, which is a reflection of their struggles to generate turnovers. In the game against the Eagles, they managed to force one turnover, but they need to be more aggressive in creating opportunities for their offense. Against the Seahawks, who are known for their ability to protect the ball, the Cardinals will need to step up their game in this department. Creating turnovers can swing the momentum and provide the offense with short fields to work with, which is crucial for success.

Offensive Turnover Efficiency

The Cardinals rank 25th in offensive turnover efficiency, which means they have had their fair share of turnovers this season. In Week 17, they managed to limit themselves to just one turnover, which is a step in the right direction. Protecting the ball will be paramount against the Seahawks, as giving away possessions can be detrimental. If the Cardinals can continue to improve in this area, they will give themselves a much better chance to compete in the final week of the season.

Drive Time

Ranking 4th in drive time, the Cardinals have demonstrated an ability to maintain possession and take time off the clock. This can be a double-edged sword; while it keeps the opposing offense off the field, it can also lead to missed opportunities if drives stall. The key for the Cardinals will be to balance their drive time with efficiency, ensuring that they are not just taking time off the clock, but also putting points on the board. If they can master this balance, they could find themselves in a favorable position against the Seahawks.

Preview For Next Week

As the Cardinals prepare to take on the Seattle Seahawks, the stakes are high. The Seahawks are favored by 2.5 points, but the Cardinals are coming off a confidence-boosting win. Advanced Football Stats simulations predict the Cardinals will score 34 points while the Seahawks will manage 24. With a 51.3% chance to cover the spread, the Cardinals have a fighting chance. The over/under is set at 47.5 points, and with both teams capable of scoring, it’s likely to be an exciting matchup. The Cardinals need to capitalize on their offensive strengths while tightening up their defense to secure a win and finish the season on a high note.

Conclusion

The Arizona Cardinals have shown resilience and potential in their recent performances, particularly with their victory over the Eagles. While the stats reveal areas that need improvement, the team's ability to adapt and grow will be crucial as they head into their final game of the season. With a matchup against the Seahawks on the horizon, the Cardinals have the opportunity to build on their success and finish strong. Let’s hope they can channel their inner underdog and pull off another upset!

Stay tuned to advancedfootballstats.com for more data-driven insights and analysis as we continue to follow the Arizona Cardinals' journey throughout the 2023 NFL season.