Cardinals to Remain Perfect ATS vs 49ers

The 49ers destroyed the Cardinals twice last season, outsourcing them 76-23.

49ers to Learn From Cowboys Mistakes

The Cardinals were no slouch through the season’s first two games, keeping it close with the Washington Commanders and holding a 20-0 lead over the Giants at halftime. The Cowboys did not get the memo, but the 49ers certainly will. San Francisco won’t underestimate Arizona after last week while also having extra time to prepare for this game, potentially making the 49ers great options for NFL betting picks despite the two-touchdown spread.

Christian McCaffrey in his last 12 games:

⛏️ 1,489 total yards
⛏️ 823 yards after contact
⛏️ 45 missed tackles forced
⛏️ 13 total TDs

Tied with Jerry Rice for the most consecutive games with a TD in 49ers history 😎 pic.twitter.com/0M35FYfHCh

— PFF (@PFF) September 22, 2023

Running the ball and defense has been the staples of the 49ers’ early success this season. Running back Christian McCaffrey has led the offense, which averages the third-most rushing yards per game. Last week, he ran for 85 yards and a touchdown, his 12th straight game scoring for the 49ers (playoffs included).

Quarterback Brock Purdy also had his first big game of the 2023 season against the Giants, throwing for 310 yards and two touchdowns. He was missing one of his top receivers in Brandon Aiyuk, who is questionable to face the Cardinals. Deebo Samuel went off last week with six receptions for 129 yards and a touchdown, getting extra targets due to Aiyuk’s absence.

The 49ers’ offense is firing on all cylinders, third in scoring and fourth in yards. They will face a defense in the Cardinals that is 16th in points but 26th in yards, a big reason why the NFL spread is so large.

Do Cardinals Have a Chance to Cover?

The NFL game betting lines will be the largest spread of Week 4, favoring the 49ers by 14 points. However, with the Cardinals 3-0 against the spread (ATS), there is a chance they challenge the 49ers.

On offense, the Cardinals have had more success than most expected. They are ranked 12th in points per game, leaning on the running game. That was displayed last week when the Cardinals ran for 222 yards and averaged 7.4 per carry. James Conner led the way with 98 yards and a touchdown while quarterback Joshua Dobbs and wide receiver Rondale Moore broke free for 40+ yard runs.

However, this hasn’t shifted NFL lines because the 49ers have one of the best front sevens in the league. A mixture of Fred Warner, Dre Greenlaw, Nick Bosa and Javon Hargrave will be challenging to run on, let alone allowing Dobbs time to pass the ball. The 49ers have held opponents under 90 rushing yards in every game.

The last hope for the Cardinals to have a chance of making this game competitive is that the defense can keep the 49ers out of the end zone. Arizona managed to do that last week, with Dallas getting within 10 yards of the end zone on four drives in the second half that turned into two turnovers and two field goals.

Cardinals vs 49ers Best Bet

This game will be tough for NFL betting game predictions. On one side, you have the 49ers, arguably one of the best teams in the league, with rest and a few extra days of planning. On the other side, the Cardinals beat one of the presumed best teams in the NFL, controlling the whole game, and have been an early surprise to the season.

The 49ers are the better team and should win this game. But with such a large spread and given how the Cardinals have play this season, they should be able to cover.

NFL Best Bet: Arizona Cardinals +14 (-110)

Cardinals vs 49ers Game Information

• Game: Cardinals (1-2) vs 49ers (3-0)
• Location: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA
• Day/Time: Sunday, Oct. 1, 4:25 p.m. ET
• Cardinals vs 49ers Live Stream: NFL Game Pass

Cardinals vs 49ers Betting Lines