San Francisco 49ers vs. Arizona Cardinals Week 16 Pick

By Jay Horne

Following a thrilling victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in week 15, the Arizona Cardinals kept their postseason hopes alive thanks to enormous performances from both QB Kyler Murray and WR DeAndre Hopkins. At 8-6 SU, the Cardinals now control their postseason destiny, but they must win out to clinch a playoff berth. There are also a few scenarios where Arizona could still win the AFC West, but that would need a lot of specific circumstances to take place. For now, the Cardinals have their eyes on closing out the season with two victories. The path to that goal starts on Saturday when the Cardinals host the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium as mere 3.5 point favorites.

49ers injuries continue to mount

Does anyone remember when San Francisco was the best team in the NFC? Just last year, the 49ers won the NFC Championship and made a Super Bowl appearance despite losing to the Kansas City Chiefs. However, those accomplishments seem like they occurred ages ago for Kyle Shannahan and the 49ers. The 2020 campaign has been derailed with numerous injuries that seemingly only get worse with each passing week. Starting QB Jimmy Garroppolo is on the IR for possibly the rest of the season. WR Deebo Samuel has been sidelined throughout the year and is in jeopardy of missing again in week 16. TE George Kittle is also on the IR but has a chance to play this week if the team elects to activate him.

Get more details: San Francisco at Arizona Week 16 Match-up Stats

More importantly, the 49ers suffered more concerns in last week’s 41-33 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Backup QB Nick Mullens came out of the game on the final drive with an elbow injury. Meanwhile, both running backs Jeff Wilson and Raheem Mostert were banged up with apparent ankle injuries that will put their status in jeopardy going into week 16’s match-up with Arizona. At the time of writing, it appears that Mullens’ injury was minor, so he should not miss time. However, I think Mullens’ performance may have the backup on a short leash. Mullens has tossed eight interceptions in the last five games, including two critical picks last week’s loss to the Cowboys. It would not be out of the realm of possibility to see C.J. Beathard get an opportunity behind center if that trend continues on Saturday. UPDATE*** QB Nick Mullens is out, and C.J. Beathard will start.

49ers vs. Cardinals Betting Trends

The 49ers are 1-6 ATS in the last seven games
The 49ers are 0-5-1 ATS in their last six games against Arizona.
The 49ers are 2-9 SU in their last 11 games against Arizona.
The 49ers are 1-5 ATS in the last six games against NFC opponents.
The Cardinals are 2-5 ATS in the last seven games.
The Cardinals are 4-2 ATS in the last six games against NFC opponents.
The Cardinals have hit the “over” in their last five games.

San Francisco at Cardinals Against the Spread Prediction

Cardinals QB Kyler Murray is coming off, arguably, his best performance of his career. In last week’s shootout with Philadelphia, Murray passed for 400 yards with three touchdowns and one pick. Murray also added another 29 yards and one touchdown on the ground. Meanwhile, WR DeAndre Hopkins was unstoppable with nine grabs for 169 yards and a touchdown. Obviously, we should not expect those same numbers this week. However, I don’t see clear answers for stopping either Murray or Hopkins with the 49ers’ current personnel. The Cardinals also have other options to attack on the offensive side of the ball, with Kenyan Drake, Christian Kirk, and others waiting for their opportunity for a big play. Overall, there are just too many options for Arizona to have success this week against an opposing offense that is having trouble keeping players on the field. Add in the circumstances and implications Arizona has riding on this game; I just can’t see it any other way besides the Cardinals cruising to victory.

Free Pick: Take the Cards minus the points