NFC West foes San Francisco (7-0) and Arizona (3-4-1) clash in a Halloween night showdown. The 49ers lead the all-time series 29-26, but the Cardinals have won the last eight matchups including season sweeps from 2015 to 2018. If Arizona wants to continue the streak they will have to defeat an unbeaten 49ers squad Thursday at State Farm Stadium.
49ers vs. Cardinals
- When: Thursday, October 31
- Time: 8:20 p.m. ET
- TV: FOX
- Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free)
The 49ers offense came to life last weekend in a 51-13 win over the Carolina Panthers. Jimmy Garoppolo was 18 of 22 for 175 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. The league’s second ranked rushing attack was also on full display. Tevin Coleman tallied 105 yards and three touchdowns, while the unit totaled 232 yards and five scores. Tight end George Kittle led all receivers with six catches for 86 yards. Look for the 49ers to have success on offense against a Cardinals defense that is one of the worst in the NFL.
A scary good defense is what is driving the 49ers ship. Ranked first in total defense (224.4 YPG) and pass defense (128.7 YPG), they shut down Carolina’s offense. Kyle Allen threw for 158 yards, tossed three interceptions and was sacked seven times. San Francisco’s defensive line is one of the best with NFL Defensive Player of the Year candidate Nick Bosa leading the charge. Bosa recorded four tackles, three sacks and one interception in the victory. Arik Armstead chipped in with three tackles and two sacks, while D.J. Jones added five tackles and one sack.
The Arizona Cardinals struggled offensively in a 31-9 loss on the road in New Orleans, which snapped a three game winning streak. Kyler Murray connected on just 19 of 33 passes for 220 yards, no touchdowns, and was sacked three times. They will need to improve their running game as well, which totaled a mere 40 yards. David Johnson is likely out with an ankle injury and Chase Edmunds left the game early with a hamstring injury. As a result, the team made a trade this week for Dolphins running back Kenyan Drake. Drake hasn’t had much of an impact on the Dolphins offense this season, but does have potential and can help improve that unit.
Last week against the Saints, Drew Brees threw for 373 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception against the Arizona defense. Latavius Murray picked up his 10th 100+ yard rushing performance of his career. Michael Thomas continued his league lead in receiving yards with 11 catches for 112 yards and a touchdown. Arizona ranks near the bottom of every defensive category, despite the play of Jordan Hicks and Chandler Jones. Hicks recorded 10 tackles against the Saints and is second in the NFL with 79 stops on the season. Jones’ 8.5 sacks rank third in the league.
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