Cardinals (7-1) at 49ers (3-4)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California TV: Fox
Tipico Sportsbook line: Cardinals by 2 ⁄2
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Cardinals’ keys to victory: QB Kyler Murray is dealing with an ankle injury that could either keep him out or limit the mobility that makes him so dangerous. If Murray is either hobbled or unavailable, the Cardinals will need to lean on a heavy dose of RBs Chase Edmonds and James Conner against a 49ers defensive line that can be run on. The Cardinals need to control ball on offense, and then defensively get pressure on 49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo and not let him get easy throws in the middle of the field. Big days for DE Chandler Jones and DB Budda Baker would help ensure a Cardinals win.
49ers’ keys to victory: When Garoppolo is efficient and decisive, he makes the run game easier for rookie RB Elijah Mitchell and opens up the entire offense. On the other side of the ball, it’s all about the defensive line getting pressure on Murray and keeping him from getting to his spots outside the pocket. If it’s not Murray, pressuring backup Colt McCoy and keeping him from getting comfortable with high-percentage throws is important. DE Nick Bosa and DL Arik Armstead have to spearhead the 49ers’ pass rush, and their secondary has to keep its hands off the Cardinals’ loaded receiving corps to avoid costly penalties.
Matchup to watch: Cardinals DE Chandler Jones vs. 49ers LT Trent Williams. With J.J. Watt sidelined, it’ll be up to Jones to put up a big game and wreck San Francisco’s game plan.
Who wins? The 49ers could pull the upset. Until San Francisco strings together multiple good outings, though, it’s a tough call.
Cardinals, 27-23