Arizona Cardinals @ San Francisco 49ers - October 6, 2024

As I prepare for the showdown between the Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium this Sunday, I can’t help but feel thrilled about the stakes involved. Both teams are looking to turn their seasons around: the 49ers after a strong win against the Patriots and the Cardinals following a disappointing loss to the Commanders. With the 49ers favored by 9.5 points and the over/under set at 47.5, this game has the makings of an exciting matchup.

The 49ers come into this game with a solid average of 25.75 points per game, backed by a potent offense that boasts an impressive completion percentage of 68.0%. They’ve shown a balanced attack with an average of 141.75 rushing yards per game, which should put considerable pressure on the Cardinals’ defense. The last time out, the 49ers scored 30 points against the Patriots while managing a 10.5-point spread cover, so there’s momentum on their side.

On the other hand, the Cardinals can’t be overlooked. They average 24 points per game themselves, which indicates they have the ability to score. However, their recent performance against the Commanders raised some red flags. After allowing 42 points to Washington, the Cardinals will need to tighten their defense significantly to keep up with a strong San Francisco offense. The 194.25 passing yards suggests that they might struggle through the air against the 49ers, who have a reputation for stifling opposing quarterbacks.

With the 49ers sitting at 2-2 and the Cardinals at 1-3, both squads are searching for consistency. The 49ers have shown a steady ability to win against the spread, while the Cardinals have been hit-or-miss in that department, boasting just one cover in four games. Given that the 49ers have managed to win 11 of their last 16 games while the Cardinals find themselves at 1-4 in their last five, it seems like San Francisco has the upper hand.

Looking at the trends, the total has gone over for the 49ers in five of their last six games, indicating they’ll likely provide a scoring barrage. On the flip side, while the Cardinals have also seen the total go over in six of their last eight, I predict that this game will end up going under the set total of 47.5. I expect a strong 49ers defense to rein in the Cardinals while also making enough plays to secure victory.

So, what can we expect from this game? In my humble opinion, the 49ers will not only win but comfortably cover the spread. The Cardinals’ struggles on defense and inconsistent offensive performance bode poorly for them. Expect the 49ers to dictate the game’s pace and keep the score under the total. The aim for San Francisco will likely be to control the game, leading to a 27-17 victory, ensuring that both the spread and the under are covered.