49ers at Cardinals: Preview, Predictions, and More
San Francisco 49ers vs. Arizona Cardinals
Super Bowl or bust felt like the motto for the Arizona Cardinals in the 2016 preseason. After nine weeks and eight games, though, the Cards look much more like bust than Super Bowl bound. At 3-4-1, though, they aren’t out of the playoff hunt just yet. They need to get things right coming out of their bye if that’s to happen. We’ll see what kind of effort they have at home in University of Phoenix Stadium against the San Francisco 49ers in NFL Week 10.
The Cardinals have one of the more talented rosters in the league, led this season by second-year running back David Johnson. He’s been a monster in the running and receiving game for Arizona. What they need, though, is to have Carson Palmer play more consistently and to have their defense step up, even without Tyrann Mathieu.
In the first meeting between these two (33-21 in favor of Arizona), the Niners started Blaine Gabbert. Now it’s Colin Kaepernick at the helm. Not that it really matters for this team, though, as they haven’t won since their season-opener in what now looks like a fluke. The 49ers do get Carlos Hyde back on Sunday, but it’s hard to think he’ll make too much of a difference in the end.
Here are the keys to victory in this matchup.
Keys to Victory
Because of the inefficiencies with Kaepernick at quarterback and a bad defense, the 49ers have to make a strong effort to control the running game with Carlos Hyde returning. That’s easier said then done, especially if Arizona’s defense comes to play at home on Sunday. However, it’s their best chance to win if they can control time of possession and move the ball effectively in at least one way.
The key for the Cardinals is actually quite simple. At virtually every position on the field, this Arizona team is superior. What they have to avoid is mentally letting that sink in and playing down to their opponent. This team has a long climb uphill to get back in the playoff hunt and a horrible loss to the Niners would be hugely detrimental.
Odds
Point Spread: Arizona -13.5
Moneyline: Arizona -1000, San Francisco +650
Over/Under: 47
Next: 2017 NFL Mock Draft: Cards Get Needed MLB
Prediction
The 49ers win in a blowout. Yeah I didn’t believe it either. This Cardinals team should come out of the bye hungry and with newfound energy. I expect them to play like their lives depend on it and absolutely thrash their NFC West foes on Sunday afternoon at home.
Pick: San Francisco 49ers: 9, Arizona Cardinals: 34