The Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers play for the second time this season Sunday in Week 11. This time, it is in Arizona, kicking off from State Farm Stadium at 4:05 p.m. ET (2:05 p.m. Arizona time). The Cardinals are 3.5-point underdogs, and the 49ers beat the Cardinals once already this season.
It was a 16-15 win on a last-second field goal that started a five-game losing streak for Arizona.
Now they meet again, the Niners 6-4 and the Cardinals 3-6.
To preview this game, Niners Wire managing editor Kyle Madson took fans behind enemy lines to give some perspective this time around.
Brock Purdy’s return
Brock Purdy is coming back. How does this change things for the offense?
Purdy coming back should help mask some the 49ers’ issues in pass protection, although the offensive line wasn’t bad in Week 10 against the Los Angeles Rams. His mobility is something opposing teams have to at least account for in the passing game. His return should also help open up some of the vertical passing game that has been absent while he’s been out. Getting the ball downfield should make things easier for a run game that has so often been gummed up this season.
Other injuries and returns from injury
What other injuries will impact this week’s matchup?
Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall’s return is a huge deal. He’s the other missing element of the vertical passing game, and he’s very good getting open in the middle of the field where Purdy delivers his best throws. Despite missing the last six games, Pearsall is still the 49ers’ No. 2 wide receiver in terms of receiving yards for the season. The other injury to watch is cornerback Deommodore Lenoir, who is listed as questionable with a calf injury that cropped up during Thursday’s practice. He’s the 49ers’ best CB and the depth behind him isn’t great. A beat-up 49ers’ secondary would have a tough time even against an Arizona receiving corps that doesn’t have Marvin Harrison Jr.
Fantasy advice
It seems that Christian McCaffrey is all everything when it comes to fantasy. Is there anyone else worth starting in fantasy this week?
Great question! I think George Kittle is a must-start at tight end because of how often Purdy will look for him in the red zone. Pearsall and Jauan Jennings are probably worth a start as well in deeper leagues. I also think Purdy is a startable QB this week. San Francisco’s defense isn’t very good so I’m expecting a lot of points and a lot of passing, even with Purdy coming off a toe injury.
Key matchups in Cardinals vs. 49ers
Which matchups matter most in this game?
I’m really interested to see how the 49ers deal with TE Trey McBride. He’s a matchup nightmare for the 49ers even when they have Fred Warner on the field. Without Warner manning the second level I’m not really sure how San Francisco plans to deal with a player with McBride’s size and athleticism. The other one to watch will be 49ers slot corner Upton Stout against Greg Dortch. Stout is a good, physical CB, but he’s susceptible to getting beat and I’m guessing we’ll see the Cardinals try and get that one-on-one matchup because Dortch should be able to earn some wins and some big plays with it.
Best bets
Do you have a favorite bet for the game?
I have one real one and one fun one. Jacoby Brissett under 0.5 interceptions is sitting at -145. The juice isn’t good, but the 49ers simply don’t take the ball away. They have one interception since Week 11 last year and it was on an end-of-half prayer from CJ Stroud back in Week 8. It would be a major upset if the 49ers grab an INT off Brissett. The fun one is 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk to score a touchdown. It’s +1200! A Juszczyk TD is pretty rare, but they happen often enough that +1200 odds are worth a stab. The 49ers also need this game to stay somewhat in the mix for the NFC West crown, so expect head coach Kyle Shanahan to dig deep into the playbook where Juszczyk resides.
Cardinals vs. 49ers predictions
How do think this game will play out?
Typically, I have a very good feel for the 49ers. This year, I have no clue. Somehow, Arizona is more banged up than San Francisco, though. And the 49ers are getting Purdy and Pearsall back which should open some things up where their offense can actually control a game in a shootout. Predicting a lot of points with San Francisco prevailing in a wild one. 49ers 31, Cardinals 28
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This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Cardinals vs. 49ers preview, predictions, fantasy and more
