Coming into MNF It is now the Cardinals who have injury issues, with key players out, and Hopkins and Murray both questionable with hamstring problems. McCoy filled in well last week, but the Cardinals face one of the leagues' top defenses in the 49ers. Even after their win last week, Arizona is giving up 27 points on average in their last three games. That 49er defense is hard to play against in all categories. Nobody runs successfully against them and with the Cardinals running less and less in recent games, SF can key on the Arizona pass attack, which has not been particularly dynamic this year, just 18th in yards, and last in yds/attempt and yds/completion. In spite of the Cardinals' short pass game, Murray/McCoy have been sacked at close to 4 times a game in recent action, a situation made worse this week by San Francisco's third-ranked (not third rate) passer pressure rating.
Given all of the 49ers' fine run options, it is surprising that they don't have more yards and points to show for it. This could be the game when Mitchell and Samuel and McCaffrey all click and really impress. Garoppolo and the 49ers' pass attack has some fine targets and has impressed lately. They are now top ten in passing yards, with just a single sack last week and a very sharp 105 passer rating in their last three games.
On paper, the 49ers should blow the Cardinals right out of Mexico City. They are giving up 8 points, an ugly number, but doing the math, I expect them to win and cover. Look for a 49ers' breakout on offense, while the defense limits a lackluster and compromised Cardinals squad.