The Arizona Cardinals (2-0) take on the San Francisco 49ers (1-1) this week in a game that will feature the NFL’s leading rusher, Carlos Hyde (211 yards, 2 TDs). Coming into the game, the Cardinals are 2-0 while the 49ers are 1-1. The game will air Sunday, Sep 27 at 4:05 p.m. ET on FOX.
This week marks the first meeting of the season for Arizona and San Francisco. During last season, these two NFC West rivals split their matchups. Antonio Cromartie led the Cardinals defensive effort in the last meeting, recording seven tackles. Michael Wilhoite led the defensive effort for San Francisco, recording eight tackles and one interception.
The 49ers are a six-point underdog against the Cardinals and the Over/Under (O/U) for the matchup is sitting at 44 points.
The Cardinals have performed above expectations so far this year. Their 2-0 records Straight Up (SU) and Against The Spread (ATS) are a noteworthy start. They are averaging 39.5 points per game, best in the league. The passing game could be a priority for Arizona, against a San Francisco pass defense that ranks 26th in the league with 77.5 yards allowed per game. The Cardinals have the league’s best scoring defense with 21.0 points allowed per game. In the first quarter, Arizona is a tough challenge, putting up a league-leading 10.5 points in the first 15 minutes.
Moving to the road team, the 49ers head into Week 3 with records of 1-1 both ATS and SU. Running the ball is vital for the 49ers. They attempt 35 rushing plays per game. It’ll be difficult to keep San Francisco’s offense off the field this week. The team’s average time of possession is 35:00, ranking third in the league.
Predictions: SU Winner – Ari, ATS Winner – Ari, O/U – Under
Notes
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Arizona’s last 5 games.
Arizona is 16-7 SU in its last 23 games.
Arizona is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games at home.
Arizona is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing San Francisco.
Arizona is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 games when playing San Francisco.
Arizona is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against San Francisco.
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Arizona’s last 6 games when playing at home against San Francisco.
Arizona is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against San Francisco.
San Francisco is 1-0 SU when leading at the half this season. Arizona is 2-0 SU when taking a lead into halftime.
Dating back to last season, Arizona is an even 3-3 SU against NFC West opponents, while San Francisco is just 2-4 SU against division foes.
San Francisco is rated higher in the ground game on both sides of the ball. Its second-ranked rushing attack will face the 10th-ranked run defense of Arizona, while its sixth-ranked run defense will look to contain the 13th-ranked rushing game of the Cardinals.
