The first game of Russell Wilson's career started with a loss at University of Phoenix Stadium. It was close, but the Cardinals held on as one of those wins in their mirage of a 4-0 start back in 2012. It was before anyone really knew Russell Wilson was Russell Wilson. It was also the last time the Cards beat the Seahawks at home.

The last two years haven't been close, even though it's been in a tremendous upgrade of the Arians era. It's the only team the Cards have had issues with at home. The first game, Carson Palmer and the offense weren't ready yet (and the Seahawks defense was at its peak in 2013). Last year, Ryan Lindley started and, well, you know.

We bring up this history lesson in part to understand why Arians is looking to play Sunday's game straight. Sure, there's a chance things will change as the game goes along, if the Panthers start to pull away (although Arians said that won't be a factor) or if the game itself gets sideways.

But mostly, I expect Carson Palmer throwing to Floyd and Smoke and Patrick Peterson covering Doug Baldwin (mostly). Yes, there are risks. But there is still something to play for.

-- Speaking of that something to play for, no, I do not expect the Buccaneers to win in Carolina. Never say never.

-- The Cardinals aren't going to get nine sacks a week — especially when Markus Golden, who quietly has had a very, very good rookie season, is sitting out — but their pass rush is rounding into form. Dwight Freeney has been impressive, clearly. But the Seahawks are without starting guard J.R. Sweezy and likely will be without starting tackle Russell Okung. There could be some opportunity to take down the slippery Wilson.

-- Bruce Arians said the Cardinals will practice three days next week, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Each day will be spent on different potential playoff opponents. The plus the Cardinals have is that, aside from the Redskins (whom the Cards did see in 2014), the Cardinals will have played every single other one of their possible playoff matchups in the last month — Vikings, Packers, Seahawks.

-- Since the Cards beat the Seahawks earlier this season, Wilson has thrown for 21 touchdowns and only one interception.

-- A bunch of potential milestones well within reach of the Cardinals going into this game.

• Larry Fitzgerald's first catch will give him a franchise record 104 in a season.
• Palmer needs 73 yards to set a franchise record for passing yards in a season.
• Smokey Brown needs 42 yards receiving to reach 1,000 this season. (Michael Floyd needs 167 to get to 1,000 — I don't see that happening.)
• Chandler Catanzaro needs four points to set a franchise record in a season.

-- Defensive tackle Red Bryant, who played the first six years of his career in Seattle and won a Super Bowl, gets the first chance to play against his former team.

"It's definitely going to be weird," Bryant said. "I'm excited. I've got a lot of respect for them. I'm not bitter. I had six great years, accomplished a lot. Now I'm trying to help this team win. I'm not going to have a lot of emotion in terms of feeling I have to prove something. I'll let my preparation do the talking."

-- With all of Arians' talk about playing as normal, it doesn't not look like first-round pick D.J. Humphries will be active for a game this season. And while Golden is down, I don't expect to see fifth-round pick Shaq Riddick much if at all, given that Arians said Kareem Martin and even Alani Fua could see time in his spot.

-- One more, and then on to the playoffs.