Cardinals at 49ers: Week 9 Scoring Predictions

Ten days off has given the Arizona Cardinals a lot to think about after their first loss of the 2021 NFL season. Now the question for bettors is how much that loss will impact the Cardinals’ NFL betting odds.

The Cardinals at 49ers in Week 9 could become a significant turning point in the season. So here’s a look at this critical matchup between division rivals.

Arizona Cardinals

The big talk last week was whether the Cardinals could remain undefeated. That question got put to rest with a loss to the Green Bay Packers, but the Arizona Cardinals very nearly won that game. Kliff Kingsbury will need to regroup for an improving 49ers squad.

When the Cardinals held off the San Francisco 49ers 17-10 in Week 5, Rookie QB Trey Lance was the 49ers starter. He ran for 89 of San Francisco’s 156 yards that day. With Jimmy Garoppolo healthy again, the passing game becomes a more significant threat.

Last week, Green Bay ran the ball for 151 yards, so run defense will be a concern for Arizona in Week 9. Rushing yards made Aaron Rodgers even more dangerous when he dropped back to pass.

Yet the most significant challenge this week could come on offense for the Arizona cardinals. Against the Packers, Kyler Murray managed a 99-yard drive at the end of the game for a near win. However, with Kyler listed as questionable with an ankle injury, the Cardinals are waiting to decide.

With Murray, Arizona has outscored their opponents almost 2-1 with 30 touchdowns. But this week, Chase Edmunds and James Conner could see more touches if Murray can’t go. Edmunds is still averaging 5.7 YPC even though he gained only 30 yards against the Packers.

San Francisco 49ers

With Jimmy Garoppolo behind center, this is a very different 49ers offense. Garoppolo isn’t likely to run for 89 yards like Trey Lance did when these two teams met, but the seasoned quarterback puts all the 49ers’ weapons back in play.

The Cardinals defense will have to contend with Elijah Mitchell in Week 9. Mitchell had a breakout game, rushing for 107 yards and a 5.9-yard average in Week 7 against the Colts. Last week, Mitchell bulled his way to 137 more, averaging 7.1 yards per rush.

Deebo Samuel was a favorite target for Garoppolo in Chicago, hauling in six catches for 171 yards last week. That was his fourth straight game leading San Francisco in receptions.

On defense, the 49ers rank second for total and passing yards. If Kyler Murray can’t go in Week 9, expect San Francisco to get after Colt McCoy. The veteran backup QB is capable but not nearly as mobile.

Cardinals at 49ers (-1)

The Arizona Cardinals are a 7-1 team going against a San Francisco squad that’s 3-4 and winless at home. Yet, the Cardinals at 49ers are still 1-point underdogs. So, even with one missed pass from a perfect record, Arizona isn’t getting the respect.

San Francisco has momentum on their side. But I’m betting on the Cardinals to come roaring back with a vengeance. I believe the Arizona Cardinals will still win this game.

Do you agree that the cardinals will rebound from their first loss, or do you think San Francisco is on the verge of turning their season back around? Either way, you can place your bets on Sunday’s game at BetMGM’s Arizona sports betting site by opening an account today.