NFL
Arizona Cardinals vs San Francisco 49ers Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction
This one's all about pride. The Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers close out their 2024 seasons with a showdown in the NFC West. Historically, it’s been a solid rivalry, with the Niners leading 36-30, but here’s the kicker—these two haven’t met in the playoffs yet! After the NFL realignment in 2002, they became divisional rivals, so every game’s a slugfest.
NFL OCT 06 Cardinals at 49ers//Getty Images
The 49ers are at 6-10, and the Cards are 7-9—both have fallen short of expectations. Now, with Brock Purdy out for the season finale (thanks to that pesky elbow injury), Arizona might have a golden opportunity here.
If you're into online gambling or checking out free sites on NFL betting, this one’s gonna be unpredictable. A little chaos? Always a good time.
Arizona Cardinals vs San Francisco 49ers at Chicago match details
Kickoff Time: 4:25 PM ET
Location: State Farm Stadium, Chicago
Last meeting: Arizona Cardinals 24-25 San Francisco 49ers (Oct. 7, 2024 | NFL)
Arizona Cardinals vs San Francisco 49ers Odds and Betting Tips
Monday night’s about to get wild at State Farm Stadium, with the Arizona Cardinals set to take on the San Francisco 49ers. The stage is set, and the odds are rolling in—so let’s dive in and see where the smart money's going.
Pre-Game Odds and Win Probability
- Arizona Cardinals: 9/25 (1.36) - 70% chance to win
- San Francisco 49ers: 12/5 (3.40) - 30% chance to win
*Odds courtesy of Stake, subject to change
Arizona Cardinals vs San Francisco 49ers Head-to-Head Record
The Cardinals have been on the wrong end of some close calls against the 49ers lately. The last five matchups have been a grind, with scores like 24-25 (Oct. 2024) and 29-45 (Dec. 2018). It’s been a series of near misses for Arizona, with the 49ers always getting the edge. Can the Cards finally flip the script? This one’s got serious potential for a shake-up.
Last Five Meetings (NFL)
07/10/24: Arizona Cardinals 24-25 San Francisco 49ers
18/12/23: Arizona Cardinals 29-45 San Francisco 49ers
02/10/23: Arizona Cardinals 16-35 San Francisco 49ers
09/01/23: Arizona Cardinals 24-25 San Francisco 49ers
22/11/22: Arizona Cardinals 24-25 San Francisco 49ers
Arizona Cardinals: Current Form
Arizona Cardinals: Current Form – LLWLL
The Arizona Cardinals started hot but crashed harder than a rookie QB under pressure. With a WLWLL record in their last five games, it’s safe to say the playoff dream is officially toast. Their latest showdown with the Rams? A mixed bag. The defense showed up big, holding L.A. to just 13 points, but the offense? Only managed a sad 9 points. Kyler Murray slung it for 321 yards, one touchdown, and two picks—definitely not the kind of stat line to quiet those “is he really our guy?” whispers.
The Cards are averaging 22.1 points per game (15th in the league), while their defense allows 22.2 points (14th). Not bad, but not great either. The real issue? A sluggish start. With just 5.19 first-quarter points per game, they need to find their groove earlier.
On the bright side, Trey McBride is proving he’s the future. The tight end has been a straight-up baller this season, pulling in 104 receptions for 1,081 yards. Against the Rams, he lit it up with 12 catches for 123 yards and a touchdown. If there’s one thing Arizona fans can feel good about, it’s this guy.
And let’s not forget James Conner. The workhorse back has been grinding, racking up 1,094 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns. His 4.6 yards per carry are a lifeline for an offense that’s hit-or-miss.
Now, it’s all about the offseason. Is Kyler Murray the man to lead this team, or are changes coming? One thing’s for sure—this team has pieces to build around.
Key Players to Watch
- Kyler Murray: The arm’s there, the legs are there—but the consistency? Not always. Murray needs to clean up the turnovers and lead this offense to some real success.
- James Conner: The dude’s been grinding, rushing for 1,094 yards and 8 TDs. Conner’s the engine when the passing game falters, so his steady play will be crucial down the stretch.
- Trey McBride: The breakout tight end is stacking numbers—104 receptions, 1,081 yards—and he’s been Kyler’s go-to guy. Expect him to keep making plays as Arizona’s top target.
Home Team News
The Arizona Cardinals are feeling a little bit like the Chiefs’ left tackle situation this season—unsettled. Ever since the offseason, there’s been some serious juggling with positions on the O-line. With the 2024-25 regular season winding down and playoff hopes hanging in the balance, it's still unclear who will anchor that left side. The Cardinals have been mixing it up, but the question remains: who will step up and solidify that spot for the postseason run?
So far, Kansas City’s tried two young players (Kingsley Suamataia and Wanya Morris) and even moved veteran D.J. Humphries around. Thuney had been tasked with stepping in due to Humphries’ hamstring injury, and the guy’s held it down against tough pass rushers like Myles Garrett. Still, it's hard to ignore the fact that he’s much better suited for left guard. As head coach Andy Reid put it, "He's doing good... but I want to get him out to practice and see where we're at." That’s the key—Humphries’ health, and if he’s back to full strength, the question is whether Reid puts him right back in or keeps things rolling with Joe Thuney and Mike Caliendo.
The decision isn’t as clear-cut as it might seem. Despite Thuney moving to tackle, he’s held his own, even not allowing a single pressure in the Christmas Day game (according to Pro Football Focus). Meanwhile, Caliendo’s still learning the ropes, and his inconsistencies have been noticeable. If Humphries is good to go, getting Thuney back at guard could level up this line. But with limited time to get acclimated, the next week of practice is going to be huge in deciding the plan moving forward.
Time will tell, but one thing's for sure: the Cardinals are hoping this puzzle gets solved before the postseason begins.
San Francisco 49ers: Current Form
San Francisco 49ers: Current Form – LLLWL
The 49ers? Yeah, they’ve been struggling big time. With a 6-10 record, they've dropped three straight, and it’s been a rollercoaster of high hopes and missed tackles. Brock Purdy’s out here throwing for 377 yards and 3 touchdowns, but the defense? Letting up 40 points against the Lions, not exactly a vibe. The offense has the firepower to make noise, but when the defense is getting torched, it's hard to keep up. They’ve got the potential, but it's been more like almost than done deal lately.
The Niners have plenty of talent on offense, though. Purdy’s been doing his thing, hitting up George Kittle and Jordan Mason when he needs to. Mason’s been grinding out 5.2 yards per carry, and Kittle’s racked up over 1,000 yards and 8 touchdowns. But here’s the kicker: they need to finish those drives. The offense has the yards, but it’s the points that count.
The big question now? Can they clean it up in time? With a few adjustments, the Niners still have the weapons to make a late push. Time to get back to basics.
Key Players to Watch
- Brock Purdy: He’s not flashy, but the dude’s efficient. With 3,864 passing yards and 20 touchdowns, Purdy’s been getting the job done. If he keeps hitting Kittle and Mason, San Francisco could find some rhythm.
- Jordan Mason: This guy’s been tearing it up on the ground. 789 rushing yards and 5.2 yards per carry? Mason is the engine that keeps the offense moving. He’s got the chops to make this offense balanced and dangerous.
- George Kittle: The big man’s been a beast. 1,079 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns. Kittle’s the go-to guy when Purdy needs a play, especially in the red zone. If he keeps showing up, the Niners have a shot.
Away Team News
So, here's the deal—Brock Purdy’s got a payday coming, and the Niners have to figure out if he’s the guy long-term or if they’re just riding the wave of Shanahan’s magic. Purdy’s been solid, but let’s not forget, the dude’s been living in one of the best setups in the league, so is he actually the guy?
It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster season for him. After that whole UCL scare last year, he gets hit again and fans lose their minds. But good news—this time, it's just a shoulder contusion. Not the worst-case scenario. He’s likely done for the season, but when it comes to his future? That’s the million-dollar question.
Stats-wise, Purdy’s been okay—3,864 yards, 20 touchdowns, 12 picks. It hasn’t been a killer season, but who can blame him with the 49ers playing musical chairs with injuries all year? No doubt, the Niners aren’t going to rock the boat too much. There's no top-tier QB hitting free agency, and let’s be real—Purdy’s been enough to get the job done. So yeah, whether you love him or not, the Brock Purdy train looks like it’s going full-speed ahead in San Francisco.
Suggested Bets
Cardinals to Win (Moneyline): At $1.48, the Cards are the favorites, and with a 66% chance to win, they’re the smart pick. They’ve got a solid offense and the home-field edge, making them a solid bet to come out on top. Odds: $1.48 with Bet365.
Over 43 Total Points: With both teams having some serious offensive firepower, this one’s got the makings of a high-scoring affair. The over/under is set at 43, and with these offenses, betting the over feels like a safe play. Odds: $1.91 with Bet365.
49ers +4.5 Spread: The 49ers might be underdogs, but don’t sleep on their defense. They’ve got the ability to keep things close, and with a 4.5-point spread, they could easily cover. Odds: $1.91 with Bet365.
The Cardinals are the favorites, but the 49ers could surprise and keep it tight. With a potential for fireworks on the scoreboard, this game’s a betting bonanza. So, whether you're rolling with Arizona or taking a shot on the spread, Monday night’s gonna be one to remember.
Value Bets
Alright, let’s cut to the chase—this game might not be a playoff clincher, but there’s still plenty of money to be made if you know where to look. The Niners are solid, but on the road? Eh, not so much. The Cards? They're scrappy at home. Time to get into some bets that could make your weekend even better.
Cardinals +7.5: The 49ers haven’t exactly been road warriors lately. They’ve dropped seven of their last eight at State Farm Stadium, so this spread could be tighter than expected. The Cards? They’re 4-1 in their last five at home. Expect them to keep it close and cover that +7.5. Easy value here.
Under 43.5 Total Points: Let’s be real—neither offense has been on fire lately. Purdy’s been doing his thing, but the Niners are hitting some roadblocks. Arizona’s offense is pretty hit or miss, and with a defense that bends but doesn’t break, this could be a grind-it-out game. Take the under—this one feels like a slugfest.
Ricky Pearsall Anytime TD Scorer: Pearsall’s been turning heads lately—141 yards and a TD last week against the Lions. He’s been solid, and with Arizona’s defense being, well, not great, look for Purdy to dial him up in the red zone. Plus, with the odds on this one, it’s got the kind of value that’s hard to ignore.
So, if you’re looking for some easy picks, these bets hit the sweet spot. The Niners are favored, but on the road? They’ve got some work to do. Roll with these value bets and watch your weekend get even better.
Top Scorers/Players for Both Teams
When the 49ers and Cardinals clash, it’s all about who can bring the heat. For the Niners, Brock Purdy is steady as they come—3,864 yards, 20 TDs, and 12 picks. Nothing flashy, just solid work. Jordan Mason is putting in the grind with 789 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns, averaging 5.2 yards per carry. And let’s not forget George Kittle—76 catches, 1,079 yards, and 8 TDs. The dude can stretch the field and make those clutch catches when it counts.
On the flip side, Kyler Murray is doing his thing for the Cardinals. With 3,609 passing yards, 17 TDs, and 11 INTs, Murray keeps defenses guessing with his arm and legs. James Conner is grinding it out with 1,094 yards and 8 TDs, running at 4.6 yards per carry. And Trey McBride? The tight end is catching everything, finishing with 104 grabs for 1,081 yards—he’s a go-to guy for Murray.
The big question: Can Murray and Conner hang with the Niners’ balanced attack? With the Cards’ defense struggling, it’s going to be a wild one. Time to see who’ll come out on top!
Prediction: Arizona Cardinals to Win
Alright, here’s the deal—49ers haven’t exactly been hot at State Farm Stadium, losing 7 out of their last 8 after a loss. Meanwhile, the Cardinals? They've been straight-up rolling at home, winning 4 of their last 5. The 49ers are struggling on the road and haven't covered the spread in their last four away games. With Kyler Murray looking to keep things steady, expect Arizona's defense to step up and cause some headaches for San Francisco. It's going to be a low-scoring grind, but the Cardinals will get the job done.
Predicted Final Score: Cardinals 23, 49ers 19
Take the under and back the Cardinals for the win. It's going to be a tight one, but the home-field advantage? Yeah, that's big here.
Heena Singh is your go-to NFL writer with a knack for turning the gridiron’s biggest moments into must-read stories. She brings a unique mix of sharp insights and quirky vibes, breaking down every touchdown, fumble, and post-game drama like a pro. A die-hard fan of the Kansas City Chiefs (and yes, Patrick Mahomes is her guy), Heena knows how to keep football fans hooked.