Cardinals (1-2) at 49ers (3-0)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. EDT, Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California TV: Fox
Spread (BetMGM): 49ers by 14 Cardinals’ keys to victory: Arizona has to get its run game going early with RB James Conner. He’s had success against the 49ers, and if he’s rolling, that can get their linebackers out of position to open up some easier throws for QB Joshua Dobbs. If Dobbs can just be efficient and avoid turnovers, it would give the Cardinals defense a chance to keep the game close. Edge rushers Victor Dimukeje and Dennis Gardeck have been excellent for Arizona this season, and they could affect the 49ers passing attack without bringing extra rushers on blitzes.
49ers’ keys to victory: Keeping QB Brock Purdy upright and clean. The Cardinals pass rush will target RG Spencer Burford and RT Colton McKivitz in hopes of flustering Purdy and forcing him into mistakes. If Purdy can settle in with time to distribute to WRs Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk, it would put the 49ers on track for another 30-plus-point game. On defense, they can’t let Dobbs get loose on the ground. DL Nick Bosa and Javon Hargrave will be responsible for pushing the pocket, but they have to keep him there.
Matchup to watch: Cardinals OLB Dimukeje vs. 49ers RT McKivitz. Arizona has done a really nice job getting after the quarterback due in large part to Dimukeje. He’ll get plenty of chances versus inexperienced McKivitz, who’s coming off his best pass protection performance of the year.
Who wins? Divisional games always have the potential to be a little strange, but the 49ers are significantly more talented and should be able to hold off a feisty Cardinals squad.
49ers 23-15