The Arizona Cardinals host the San Francisco 49ers in a matchup of two NFC West teams finishing out disappointing seasons. Arizona is favored by more than a field goal in this rematch after beating San Francisco on the road, 24-23, on Oct. 6.
How to watch 49ers at Cardinals
Arizona looked like a surprise contender after a 6-4 start. The Cardinals are crawling to the finish line after losing five out of six games following their bye week. The Niners have dropped six of their last seven games during a nightmare season filled with injuries.
It could be a pass-heavy day for Arizona’s offense, thanks to a depleted backfield. Lead back James Conner exited Week 17’s loss to the Rams with an injury, and he and rookie back Trey Benson (ankle) are on injured reserve. With Conner sitting, Michael Carter will lead the backfield. In Week 17, Carter ran for 70 yards on 13 carries and had two receptions for 11 yards.
Kyler Murray leans heavily on tight end Trey McBride, who is second among NFL tight ends in receptions (104) and receiving yards (1,081). Rookie wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. is coming off his most productive game since October and could also be targeted heavily after San Francisco gave up 40 points to Detroit on Monday night.
Matters only get worse for the Niners with QB Brock Purdy out with injury. Backup Joshua Dobbs will start against his former team after starting eight games for Arizona in 2023.
San Francisco’s running game hasn’t surpassed 85 yards in each of the last three weeks, with the Niners focused on airing it out. Tight end George Kittle is still a Pro Bowl-caliber weapon, while breakout wide receiver Jauan Jennings is 77 yards short of his first 1,000-yard season.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Arizona Cardinals odds
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(Photo of Kyler Murray: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images)
