For the record, I'm not saying its a conspiracy of epic proportions. But, yes, the refs will certainly always error on the side of protecting key games, if they can help it. The Cards game last week was flat out bizarre. And, the refs really, REALLY let the Seahawks secondary do their thing.
If the Cards had lost last weekend, and we all know they're not favored in this game, next week's game would be semi irrelevant, huh?
Ironically, the NFL screwed the Cards out of a win in Philly last year, protecting a week 17 NFC East showdown.