Seattle Seahawks vs. Arizona Cardinals: 2021 Week 18 Recap

Game story

In Week 18 of the 2021 NFL season on 2022-01-09, the Seattle Seahawks took care of business against the Arizona Cardinals, pulling away with a 38–30 final that built a comfortable lead.

The highest-scoring period was Q3 with 21 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.

K. Murray (Arizona Cardinals) paced the passing game, with -6.95 total EPA, and +0.7% completion percentage over expected.

On the individual side, T. Lockett (Seattle Seahawks) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +10.98 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.

The momentum swing (+19.3% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Seattle Seahawks changed the game: (13:22) (Shotgun) 3-R.Wilson scrambles left tackle for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.

1. 1 T. Lockett · Seattle Seahawks · Receiving · +10.98 total EPA · 5 snaps · +2.20 EPA/play
2. 2 R. Penny · Seattle Seahawks · Rushing · +6.18 total EPA · 23 snaps · +0.27 EPA/play
3. 3 R. Wilson · Seattle Seahawks · Passing · +3.89 total EPA · 29 snaps · +0.13 EPA/play
4. 4 Z. Ertz · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +3.17 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.32 EPA/play
5. 5 J. Conner · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +2.80 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.47 EPA/play
6. 6 F. Swain · Seattle Seahawks · Receiving · +2.61 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.61 EPA/play
7. 7 C. Kirk · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +2.12 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.71 EPA/play
8. 8 J. Conner · Arizona Cardinals · Rushing · +1.94 total EPA · 16 snaps · +0.12 EPA/play

Player of the game

FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

• Arizona Cardinals — Z. Allen (Q1 59:55)
• Seattle Seahawks — T. Lockett (R. Wilson pass) (Q1 57:34)
• Seattle Seahawks — T. Lockett (R. Wilson pass) (Q2 37:45)
• Arizona Cardinals — J. Conner (K. Murray pass) (Q3 26:11)
• Arizona Cardinals — J. Conner (Q3 24:29)
• Seattle Seahawks — F. Swain (R. Wilson pass) (Q3 17:02)
• Seattle Seahawks — R. Wilson (Q4 13:22)
• Seattle Seahawks — R. Penny (Q4 4:45)

Field goals

• Arizona Cardinals — M. Prater (Q2 41:48)
• Seattle Seahawks — J. Myers (Q2 31:25)
• Arizona Cardinals — M. Prater (Q4 6:18)
• Arizona Cardinals — M. Prater (Q4 1:17)

How it unfolded, quarter by quarter

A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.

The opening quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the ARI 75 (Q1 59:55); Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the SEA 15 (Q1 59:48) — 5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-14-A.Lee.; Seattle Seahawks found the end zone from the ARI 43 (Q1 57:34) — (12:34) (Shotgun) 3-R.Wilson pass deep right to 16-T.Lockett for 43 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Seattle Seahawks added 1 points from the ARI 15 (Q1 57:26) — 5-J.Myers extra point is GOOD, Center-69-T.Ott, Holder-4-M.Dickson..

The second quarter: Seattle Seahawks won the period 10–3. Arizona Cardinals connected on a field goal from the SEA 23 (Q2 41:48) — (11:48) 5-M.Prater 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-14-A.Lee.; Seattle Seahawks found the end zone from the ARI 5 (Q2 37:45) — (7:45) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 3-R.Wilson pass short right to 16-T.Lockett for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Seattle Seahawks added 1 points from the ARI 15 (Q2 37:41) — 5-J.Myers extra point is GOOD, Center-69-T.Ott, Holder-4-M.Dickson.; Seattle Seahawks connected on a field goal from the ARI 19 (Q2 31:25) — (1:25) 5-J.Myers 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-T.Ott, Holder-4-M.Dickson..

The third quarter: Arizona Cardinals won the period 14–7. Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the SEA 20 (Q3 26:11) — (11:11) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 1-K.Murray pass short left to 6-J.Conner for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the SEA 15 (Q3 26:02) — 5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-14-A.Lee.; Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the SEA 1 (Q3 24:29) — (9:29) (Shotgun) 6-J.Conner up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the SEA 15 (Q3 24:25) — 5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-14-A.Lee.; Seattle Seahawks found the end zone from the ARI 25 (Q3 17:02) — (2:02) (Shotgun) 3-R.Wilson pass deep left to 18-F.Swain for 25 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Seattle Seahawks added 1 points from the ARI 15 (Q3 16:57) — 5-J.Myers extra point is GOOD, Center-69-T.Ott, Holder-4-M.Dickson..

The fourth quarter: Seattle Seahawks won the period 14–6. Seattle Seahawks found the end zone from the ARI 4 (Q4 13:22) — (13:22) (Shotgun) 3-R.Wilson scrambles left tackle for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Seattle Seahawks added 1 points from the ARI 15 (Q4 13:15) — 5-J.Myers extra point is GOOD, Center-69-T.Ott, Holder-4-M.Dickson.; Arizona Cardinals connected on a field goal from the SEA 12 (Q4 6:18) — (6:18) 5-M.Prater 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-14-A.Lee.; Seattle Seahawks found the end zone from the ARI 62 (Q4 4:45) — (4:45) (Shotgun) 20-R.Penny up the middle for 62 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Seattle Seahawks added 1 points from the ARI 15 (Q4 4:34) — 5-J.Myers extra point is GOOD, Center-69-T.Ott, Holder-4-M.Dickson.; Arizona Cardinals connected on a field goal from the SEA 18 (Q4 1:17) — (1:17) 5-M.Prater 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-14-A.Lee..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.

• Seattle Seahawks (Q4 13:22) — (13:22) (Shotgun) 3-R.Wilson scrambles left tackle for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +19.3% · EPA +2.49]
• Seattle Seahawks (Q4 4:45) — (4:45) (Shotgun) 20-R.Penny up the middle for 62 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +18.3% · EPA +5.76]
• Seattle Seahawks (Q1 59:55) — (14:55) (Shotgun) 3-R.Wilson sacked at SEA 16 for -9 yards (55-C.Jones). FUMBLES (55-C.Jones) [55-C.Jones], RECOVERED by ARI-94-Z.Allen at SEA 16. 94-Z.Allen for 16 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA -16.9% · EPA -7.25]
• Seattle Seahawks (Q3 25:12) — (10:12) (Shotgun) 3-R.Wilson pass short right intended for 25-T.Homer INTERCEPTED by 34-J.Thompson [45-D.Gardeck] at SEA 34. 34-J.Thompson pushed ob at SEA 1 for 33 yards (74-J.Curhan). [WPA -15.2% · EPA -6.41]
• Arizona Cardinals (Q3 26:11) — (11:11) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 1-K.Murray pass short left to 6-J.Conner for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +14.2% · EPA +2.52]

Impact plays

Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.

• Seattle Seahawks (Q1 59:55) — (14:55) (Shotgun) 3-R.Wilson sacked at SEA 16 for -9 yards (55-C.Jones). FUMBLES (55-C.Jones) [55-C.Jones], RECOVERED by ARI-94-Z.Allen at SEA 16. 94-Z.Allen for 16 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA -16.9% · EPA -7.25]
• Seattle Seahawks (Q3 25:12) — (10:12) (Shotgun) 3-R.Wilson pass short right intended for 25-T.Homer INTERCEPTED by 34-J.Thompson [45-D.Gardeck] at SEA 34. 34-J.Thompson pushed ob at SEA 1 for 33 yards (74-J.Curhan). [WPA -15.2% · EPA -6.41]
• Seattle Seahawks (Q4 4:45) — (4:45) (Shotgun) 20-R.Penny up the middle for 62 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +18.3% · EPA +5.76]
• Seattle Seahawks (Q1 57:34) — (12:34) (Shotgun) 3-R.Wilson pass deep right to 16-T.Lockett for 43 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +12.2% · EPA +4.75]

Quarterback report card

K.Murray led all passers in efficiency for Arizona Cardinals, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

• K.Murray (Arizona Cardinals) · 52 dropbacks · 53.8% completion · +0.7% CPOE · -0.13 EPA/play · -6.95 total EPA
• R.Wilson (Seattle Seahawks) · 29 dropbacks · 51.7% completion · +0.4% CPOE · +0.13 EPA/play · +3.89 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.

By the numbers

Despite the final score, Seattle Seahawks generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.11 vs -0.02), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.

• Arizona Cardinals: 11 drives, -2.28 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
• Seattle Seahawks: 11 drives, +8.35 total EPA, 6 scoring drives

Key takeaways

What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.

• Seattle Seahawks leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
• T. Lockett (Seattle Seahawks) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.

Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.

1. Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q1 59:55 · ARI 75 · Score 0-6
   (14:55) (Shotgun) 3-R.Wilson sacked at SEA 16 for -9 yards (55-C.Jones). FUMBLES (55-C.Jones) [55-C.Jones], RECOVERED by ARI-94-Z.Allen at SEA 16. 94-Z.Allen fo
2. Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q1 59:48 · SEA 15 · Score 0-7
   5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-14-A.Lee.
3. Seattle Seahawks TD (+6) — Q1 57:34 · ARI 43 · Score 6-7
   (12:34) (Shotgun) 3-R.Wilson pass deep right to 16-T.Lockett for 43 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
4. Seattle Seahawks XP (+1) — Q1 57:26 · ARI 15 · Score 7-7
   5-J.Myers extra point is GOOD, Center-69-T.Ott, Holder-4-M.Dickson.
5. Arizona Cardinals FG (+3) — Q2 41:48 · SEA 23 · Score 7-10
   (11:48) 5-M.Prater 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-14-A.Lee.
6. Seattle Seahawks TD (+6) — Q2 37:45 · ARI 5 · Score 13-10
   (7:45) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 3-R.Wilson pass short right to 16-T.Lockett for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
7. Seattle Seahawks XP (+1) — Q2 37:41 · ARI 15 · Score 14-10
   5-J.Myers extra point is GOOD, Center-69-T.Ott, Holder-4-M.Dickson.
8. Seattle Seahawks FG (+3) — Q2 31:25 · ARI 19 · Score 17-10
   (1:25) 5-J.Myers 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-T.Ott, Holder-4-M.Dickson.
9. Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q3 26:11 · SEA 20 · Score 17-16
   (11:11) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 1-K.Murray pass short left to 6-J.Conner for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
10. Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q3 26:02 · SEA 15 · Score 17-17
    5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-14-A.Lee.
11. Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q3 24:29 · SEA 1 · Score 17-23
    (9:29) (Shotgun) 6-J.Conner up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
12. Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q3 24:25 · SEA 15 · Score 17-24
    5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-14-A.Lee.
13. Seattle Seahawks TD (+6) — Q3 17:02 · ARI 25 · Score 23-24
    (2:02) (Shotgun) 3-R.Wilson pass deep left to 18-F.Swain for 25 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
14. Seattle Seahawks XP (+1) — Q3 16:57 · ARI 15 · Score 24-24
    5-J.Myers extra point is GOOD, Center-69-T.Ott, Holder-4-M.Dickson.
15. Seattle Seahawks TD (+6) — Q4 13:22 · ARI 4 · Score 30-24
    (13:22) (Shotgun) 3-R.Wilson scrambles left tackle for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
16. Seattle Seahawks XP (+1) — Q4 13:15 · ARI 15 · Score 31-24
    5-J.Myers extra point is GOOD, Center-69-T.Ott, Holder-4-M.Dickson.
17. Arizona Cardinals FG (+3) — Q4 6:18 · SEA 12 · Score 31-27
    (6:18) 5-M.Prater 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-14-A.Lee.
18. Seattle Seahawks TD (+6) — Q4 4:45 · ARI 62 · Score 37-27
    (4:45) (Shotgun) 20-R.Penny up the middle for 62 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
19. Seattle Seahawks XP (+1) — Q4 4:34 · ARI 15 · Score 38-27
    5-J.Myers extra point is GOOD, Center-69-T.Ott, Holder-4-M.Dickson.
20. Arizona Cardinals FG (+3) — Q4 1:17 · SEA 18 · Score 38-30
    (1:17) 5-M.Prater 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-14-A.Lee.