Arizona Cardinals vs San Francisco 49ers: Preview, prediction

Sep 21, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) is tackled by San Francisco 49ers cornerback Chris Cook (22) during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

The defense will set the tone as to how this game will turn out. Carlos Hyde ran through the Vikings defense for 168 yards and two touchdowns. While he only ran fro 43 yards against the Steelers, he is still a threat at any given moment. Early on in the game the 49ers will test the Arizona Cardinals’ defense line with Hyde leading the charge. Calais Campbell will need to lead the defense in shutting down the running game, and forcing Colin Kaepernick to throw the ball.

In the passing game, Torrey Smith  and Anquan Boldin (sound familiar?) are the biggest threats to keeping this a close. Patrick Peterson and co. will need eliminate the big pass play and limit the 49ers to short passes towards the middle of the field.With Smith nursing a knee injury, I expect a majority of the 49ers offense to come through Kaepernick, Hyde and Boldin. If the defense can contain these three, there’s a very high probability that the Cardinals will be improving to their second 3-0 start in a row, and third in four seasons.

Odds:

Arizona -6.5

O/U 44.5

Prediction:

With the offense expected to continue its dynamic play, there should be no question that Palmer will be able to help put points on the board. The defense should create stops and help give the offense great field position, and will force Kaepaernick to make plays through the air rather than on the ground. All said and done, the Arizona Cardinals will increase their lead in the NFC West after this week.

Cardinals 38 49ers 21