Cardinals (4-12) at 49ers (12-4)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, Calif. TV: Fox
Tipico Sportsbook line: by 14
Cardinals’ keys to victory: Play-making WRs DeAndre Hopkins and Hollywood Brown could be in for big games against a shaky 49ers secondary. Those two paired with RB James Conner could give San Francisco a ton of problems regardless of who’s playing quarterback for Arizona. Defensively, LB Isaiah Simmons can give the 49ers offense some issues with his versatility. S Jalen Thompson and LB Zaven Collins need to play well though to take away some of the shorter throws the 49ers offense has thrived on.
49ers’ keys to victory: San Francisco’s defense has to show up in a way it didn’t in Week 17. The Niners can take the Cardinals out of the game early with an effective game from DE Nick Bosa and LB Fred Warner in the second level. CB Deommodore Lenoir also has to put together a better effort after getting roasted in Las Vegas. On offense, QB Brock Purdy needs to take care of the ball. Avoiding turnovers, and leaning on RBs Christian McCaffrey, Jordan Mason and Tyrion Davis-Price should be a good formula for the 49ers offense against a leaky Cardinals defense.
Matchup to watch: Cardinals’ Hopkins vs. 49ers CB Charvarius Ward. If the Cardinals are going to swing an upset, they’ll need a huge game from their star wide receiver against San Francisco’s top cornerback.
Who wins? The 49ers are the more talented team here, even if they wind up resting some of their starters. A Week 17 loss should act as a late-season wake-up call for San Francisco, too.
49ers, 24-20 49ers