The Cardinals and 49ers are trailing the 3-1 Seahawks in the NFC West. It could be an even larger lead for Seattle after this week. The Seahawks play the Giants on Sunday afternoon and could extend their lead with a win and Cardinals' win. Injuries will play a key role in this game, per usual.
The Cardinals moved to 1-3 after losing to the Commanders 42-14 last week. The Cardinals' offense has sputtered the past two weeks after scoring 28 and 41 in their first two games. Tight end Trey McBride (concussion) should be back this week after missing last week. Kicker Matt Prater (left knee) did not practice on Thursday and could miss Week 5. The team recently picked up Chad Ryland, who will be his replacement should he miss. Offensive linemen Isaiah Adams (thumb) and Kelvin Beachum (hamstring) are in jeopardy of missing this week.
The 49ers rolled over the Patriots, 30-13, moving to 2-2 this season. They are 2-0 at home and 0-2 on the road. Chris Conley (oblique) and George Kittle (ribs) have not practiced this week. Middle linebacker Fred Warner (ankle) and defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos (knee) have not participated this week. They are all listed as questionable this week.
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Cardinals vs. 49ers Betting Preview
(Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook)
Is the Cardinals' Offense Legit?
The Cardinals' offense looked great through two games but has struggled recently. They have only scored 27 points in the past two weeks and have given up 62. They did not have Trey McBride last week, but he played 85% of snaps against the Lions in Week 3. They should have played better against the Commanders' weak defense last week, but Kyler Murray could not get going. He did not turn the ball over but only had 142 yards passing and three rushing yards. James Conner finished with 18 carries for 104 yards and a touchdown, but it was not nearly enough.
Marvin Harrison Jr. was the leading receiver last week with five catches for 45 yards and a score. He and McBride average seven targets a game but could see more in this matchup. The 49ers only allow 96.3 rushing yards per game and 199 passing yards per game. James Conner should be featured more as a receiver this week, as the 49ers allow the fourth-most receiving yards (49.25) per game to running backs. He has only received four targets once this season (Week 1), but that is the 49ers’ weak area on defense.
Can the Cardinals Stop Jordan Mason?
The loss of Christian McCaffrey has not been difficult to overcome because of Jordan Mason. He has played at least 75% of snaps in every game this season and averages nearly 23 attempts per game. He has hit the 100-yard rushing mark three times through four games and has a great chance to do so again in this game. The Cardinals allow 146.5 rushing yards per game at a clip of 4.4 yards per carry. Mason should have a great day against this defense, especially if the 49ers are ahead. The Cardinals have not shown enough the past two weeks to bet them in this spot on the road against the 49ers.
Pick: 49ers -7.5 (-105)
