Thursday Night Football this week brings a riveting clash between the Arizona Cardinals and the Seattle Seahawks, both with records of 2-1. A key focus of this game will be on Trey Benson, who steps in as the Cardinals’ primary running back following James Conner’s season-ending injury. This presents a significant opportunity for Benson to emerge as a critical player.
Drafted in the third round in 2024 from Florida State, Benson offers a unique blend of size at 6-foot and 220 pounds, and speed, evident from his 4.39-second 40-yard dash. In his college career with the Seminoles, he accumulated impressive scrimmage yards and touchdowns, indicating his potential as a three-down back. While his rookie year in the NFL showed promise with an average of 4.6 yards per attempt, Benson has demonstrated noticeable improvement this season. Across three games, he has gained 125 rushing yards, averaging 6.0 yards per carry, with a standout 52-yard run in the season opener.
As the Cardinals have historically emphasized a robust backfield presence in their offensive strategy, Benson is likely to play a central role in their game plan against Seattle. Notably, Arizona ranked high in running back targets last season, underscoring the importance of this position in their tactics. With Conner sidelined and Emari Demercado as the next in line, Benson is expected to receive a substantial workload.
Although the Seahawks are formidable opponents, known for their strong defensive play, particularly against the run, Benson’s playing style might still allow him to meet or exceed his betting lines. His over/under on DraftKings Sportsbook includes 57.5 rushing yards, which, given the anticipated volume of his touches, seems attainable. In previous games, even against tough defenses, Benson showed he could effectively accumulate yardage, demonstrating his potential in the upcoming match.
Given the tight expected scoreline, with the Seahawks slightly favored, this game may hinge on ground play. Fans and bettors alike should keep an eye on Benson as he attempts to capitalize on his increased role and solidify his place in the Cardinals’ offense. His physical attributes and strategic importance to the team’s gameplay make Benson a player to watch Thursday night.