San Francisco 49ers vs. Arizona Cardinals: 5 Bold predictions for Week 9
4. Coleman scores multiple times, tops 100 yards
Tevin Coleman was downright unstoppable against the Panthers last weekend. The San Francisco 49ers running back only touched the ball 13 times on the day but still went off as he rushed for 105 yards and three touchdowns on 11 carries and had two catches for 13 yards and another touchdown. He’s been an absolute force since getting healthy in his first season in San Francisco.
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With Matt Breida playing but not at 100 percent on Thursday Night Football, I expect Coleman to again be the go-to guy for the 49ers. This rushing offense has been absurdly good and the Cardinals don’t have anyone that’s good enough against the run to contain the speed and explosiveness of the running back. The result will be another multi-touchdown game and him eclipsing 100 yards for the second straight outing.
3. Drake has 10-catch debut with Cardinals
The day before the NFL Trade Deadline, the Arizona Cardinals were one of the few teams to make a trade, sending a conditional sixth-round pick to the Miami Dolphins for running back Kenyan Drake. That move makes even more sense when you consider that both David Johnson and Chase Edmonds are going to be out on Thursday night against the 49ers. Upon arrival, Drake will have a big role.
Given the pressure that I expect Murray will be under throughout the night, I also think Drake is heavily involved right away, specifically as a pass-catcher. The rookie quarterback is going to dump it off to the newcomer often to try and just get the ball out and, though it might not be too productive of a yardage night trying to get past Fred Warner and Kwon Alexander, Drake will end up with double-digit receptions in his Arizona debut.