Cardinals vs 49ers NFL Pick: Undefeated NFC West Rivals Meet by the Bay (Sep 21)

• NFL Week 3 Cardinals-49ers is a key early-season matchup between undefeated teams
• In Week 2, San Francisco won its first game with Mac Jones under center, replacing the injured Brock Purdy
• Arizona withstood a frenzied comeback by the Panthers to hold on for a 27-22 win after leading 27-3 late in the 3rd quarter
• The Cardinals won both matchups between the teams in 2024
• The 49ers are a slight favorite at home

Arizona Is Off to a Good Start After Beating Weaker Teams

It was essential for Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon and quarterback Kyler Murray that the team get off to a good start, particularly since they were playing the two weaker teams in the NFC West. Against the Saints and Panthers, they did what they needed to do and are 2-0 heading into San Francisco.

Against the Panthers, it looked like an easy day with 17 minutes left in the game. They led 27-3 before Bryce Young led a desperate comeback, getting his team to within 5 points with the ball in Arizona territory. But the Cardinals’ defense came up big with a sack to save the game.

Murray is off to a solid start this season with a 101.1 passer rating. He’s completed 38 of 54 attempts for 383 yards and 3 TDs. He’s rushed for 70 yards on 14 carries.

Favorite receiver, tight end Trey McBride, has 12 receptions for 139 yards. Murray has tried to get Marvin Harrison Jr. more involved, but he’s only caught 7 balls on 11 targets in two games. Their rushing attack has left much to be desired, with Trey Benson and James Conner combining for 156 yards on 34 attempts.

The Cardinals are near the bottom of the league in pass defense, but much of that is due to the Panthers’ late-game run. They have been solid against the run.

Mac Jones Was Excellent Against the Saints

The 49ers’ offense didn’t miss a beat with Mac Jones replacing the injured Brock Purdy.

Jones completed 26 of 39 passes for 279 yards, 3 TDs, and no interceptions. It was an efficient performance with Jones proving that perhaps Bill Belichick was too harsh on him and did not put him in a good position to succeed.

Running back Christian McCaffrey is still dealing with a calf issue. But he did accrue 107 total yards, 55 on the ground and 52 through the air. He scored 1 TD.

The ‘Niners defense struggled to contain Saints QB Spencer Rattler, who completed 25 of 34 passes for 207 yards and 3 TDs. Alvin Kamara ran for 99 yards on 21 carries and caught 6 balls for another 21.

They are still without tight end George Kittle. Myriad key players did not practice, including Nick Bosa, Jauan Jennings, Trent Williams, and McCaffrey.

As well as Jones played, the 49ers do not want to get into a shootout with Murray and the Cardinals.

New kicker Eddy Piñiero should be watched as he missed an extra point. It bears repeating that Justin Tucker is a name to watch for the 49ers and every contender with kicking woes once he finishes his suspension.

Cardinals vs 49ers Pick

Both the Cardinals and 49ers have a win against the woeful Saints. It’s hard to gauge either team thus far, though the ‘Niners did beat the Seahawks, who promise to be pretty good this season, and beat the Steelers in Week 2.

Jones can run the 49ers offense, but with McCaffrey somewhat compromised and without Kittle, they do not want to get into an air show with Murray. The Cardinals need to get their running game working and must-must-must get the ball to Harrison.

San Francisco will control the clock and keep the score low, allowing them to win and cover the 2.5-point spread.