Media by Associated Press – San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel (19) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
The San Francisco 49ers are starting to heat up and are readying themselves to make a run at the NFC West Division title. While the 49ers still have to catch the Seattle Seahawks, playing the Arizona Cardinals Monday night presents a good opportunity to continue the momentum. San Francisco is undefeated against their division opponents, compiling a 3-0 mark.
The Cardinals have mostly disappointed this season, undone by injuries and poor execution. However, Arizona still has the offensive stars when healthy to compete with anyone. Here’s a look at three bets to make on Monday night’s game.
San Francisco -8
There is a lot of uncertainty for the Cardinals, who will have indicated that quarterback Kyler Murray and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins will be game-time decisions. Arizona started veteran quarterback Colt McCoy last week, who played capably against the struggling Los Angeles Rams. McCoy did throw for 238 yards and a score.
The 49ers, however, have the defense to make life difficult on McCoy. San Francisco also picked up an impressive win over the Los Angeles Chargers last week.
The 49ers have made their bones behind a dominating defense that is No.1 in the league in yards allowed, giving up 280.6 yards per game. The 49ers will pick up their third straight win, this one by double figures.
Over 43.5
Despite having issues with Murray going in and out of the lineup, Arizona’s offense has still put up points. The Cardinals rank 13th in the league in scoring, putting up 23 points per game. Arizona’s defense has been equally as gracious to opponents.
The Cardinals have the third-worst scoring defense in the league, allowing 25.8 points per game. Arizona’s last four games have gone over the total. The 49ers are 18th in the league in scoring, putting up 22 points per game. San Francisco’s offense has been effective at moving the ball this season.
The 49ers rank ninth in the league in total yards, putting up 360 yards per game. Two of San Francisco’s last three games have gone over the total.
Christian McCaffrey to score a touchdown, -177
The 49ers running back has been put to good use some coming over in a trade from Carolina.
Kyle Shanahan has gotten the most out of McCaffrey. In his three games in San Francisco, McCaffrey has scored three touchdowns. What Shanahan has done so effectively is utilizing McCaffrey’s well-rounded skillset.
Over his last two games in San Francisco, McCaffrey has been targeted six or more times in the passing game while also carrying the ball over ten times per game on the ground.
Arizona has a top-10 defense against the run, so McCaffrey may not have a huge impact running, but his ability to catch passes out of the backfield will put him in a position to score.
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