- CARDINALS at 49ers
- 1:25 p.m. Sunday
- Levi's Stadium
- Line: Cardinals +2.5 (For more NFL odds, visit the BetMGM online sportsbook)
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NAME: Christian McCaffrey
Whether he's worn a Panthers or 49ers uniform, running back Christian McCaffrey has been a thorn in the side of the Cardinals. There was a 153-yard rushing performance in 2019 and a 10-catch effort in 2021; both Panthers wins by the way. Then two years ago, when the 49ers swept the season series, McCaffrey totaled 221 rushing yards on 38 carries (5.8 yards/attempt), 143 receiving yards on 12 receptions (11.9 yards/catch) and 7 touchdowns (4 rushing, 3 receiving). No wonder head coach Jonathan Gannon called him "a matchup nightmare." Last season, the Cardinals missed McCaffrey, who was limited to four games because of injuries. Fast forward to 2025 and McCaffrey is healthy; 100+ scrimmage yards in each of the first two games. The key for the Cardinals on Sunday is to try and limit McCaffrey's effectiveness in both the run and pass game. Do that and the Cardinals pin just the second loss in eight games when McCaffrey is in uniform on the other side of the field.
-- Craig Grialou
NUMBER: 50
Thru two games, the 49ers offense runs through one guy. Running back Christian McCaffrey has an astounding 50 touches (rushing/receiving), including gaining nine first downs in the opener at (last place) Seattle. Without tight end George Kittle or wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (or wide receiver Jauan Jennings?) due to injury, all eyes (and hats) will be on the 2023 NFL Offensive Player of the Year. Will CMC line up in 50 different spots? Can AZ unleash 50 different coverages? Or maybe the "Budda/JT/Mack Attack" will be enough?
-- Paul Calvisi
NUANCE: Cardinals As Party Crashers
Both the Cardinals and 49ers enter this matchup undefeated and the Cards are looking to crash San Francisco's home opener party. As cliché as it sounds, every game is important to win, especially looking at the landscape of the NFC West, which is one of the most competitive divisions. That makes this first of back-to-back divisional matchups that much more important to try to get an early leg up. Have the first two games looked pretty start to finish? No. But at the end of the day, what matters is getting the win and learning from the mistakes made to improve the following week. A win on the road in San Francisco will not only give Arizona an early advantage in the divisional standings, but it'll also set the tone for the Seahawks matchup just four days later.
-- Dani Sureck
