The NFC West has lived up to its reputation as one of the league’s toughest divisions. Week 4’s Thursday Night Football matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and the Arizona Cardinals is no exception. Both teams sit at 2–1, making this primetime clash a key early-season test that could shape the race for the division crown.
With so much on the line, every call will matter, making it worth knowing who will officiate the game.
Who Are The Referees for Seahawks vs. Cardinals?
The NFL has chosen Alex Kemp and his crew to officiate the Thursday Night Football contest between the Seahawks and the Cardinals. Kemp entered the league as a side judge in 2014 and is now in his eighth season as a referee.
Kemp has little history with these teams, but he is one of the most penalty-happy referees in the NFL. Over a nine-game stretch last season, he threw 162 flags, 25 of which were dismissed. That was an average of 15.22 penalty flags thrown per game, for an average of 126.89 yards.
That trend has carried into this season as well. Through three games in 2025, Kemp has already thrown the flag 47 times, with home teams accounting for 21 infractions. For players and coaches, this means discipline will be critical on Thursday night, as even small mistakes could swing momentum in what’s expected to be a close divisional matchup.
At the start of every season, referees are paired with a full officiating crew from the NFL’s officiating roster. For this Week 4 game, here is the full list of officials on Kemp’s crew:
- Umpire: Brandon Ellison
- Down Judge: Mike Carr
- Line Judge: Rusty Banes
- Field Judge: Sean Petty
- Side Judge: Lo van Pham
- Back Judge: Scott Helverson
- Replay Official: Tim England
- Replay Assistant: Julie Johnson
Seahawks vs. Cardinals Preview
The gap between the Cardinals and Seahawks isn’t wide, setting the stage for a tightly contested Thursday night clash. Oddsmakers have Arizona as a slightly 1.5-point underdog. Still, it’s worth noting that the Cardinals have already pulled off one upset in that role earlier this season.
Seattle, meanwhile, has thrived when given the edge. So far in 2025, the Seahawks have been favored just once and delivered a convincing victory, proving they can capitalize when expectations are on their side.
Additionally, Seattle has covered the spread in two of its first three games while hitting the over twice, averaging 41.8 combined points per contest, just under Thursday’s posted line of 43.5. Arizona has also hovered right on that mark, averaging 43.5 points per game, though only once pushing past the total. With both teams at 2-1, this matchup carries early implications in the NFC West race.
Expect a competitive game through the first half, but Seattle’s balance on both sides of the ball gives them the edge late.
Prediction: Seahawks 27, Cardinals 17.
