Arizona Cardinals vs San Francisco 49ers: Preview, prediction

November 22, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Marvin Jones (82) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals cornerback Justin Bethel (28) and free safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) during the fourth quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Bengals 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

On the offensive side of the ball, this 49ers team is much different compared to the team we saw in Week 3. Starting running back is out for the fourth straight game this, with Shane Draughn starting in his place. The leading receivers against the Cardinals in 2 out of the last 3 games have been running backs, so the defense should be wary of any screen passes that could be thrown Draughn’s way.

The biggest difference for the 49ers on the offense is Blaine Gabbert being under center instead of Colin Kaepernick. Kaepernick is out for the season after injuring his non throwing shoulder, and Gabbert was named the starter for the rest of the season, with the 49ers offense playbook also being tweaked to play to Gabbert’s strength. Unlike Kaepernick, Gabbert isn’t likely to escape the pocket and make plays with his feet. Cardinals safety Tyrann Mathieu even hinted that Gabbert is more aware of what the defense is doing and is able to call any necessary audibles or protections changes, something Kaepernick has struggled to do.

In his new starting role this season, Gabbert has led the 49ers to a 1-1 record including a win over the 6-4 Atlanta Falcons. Gabbert has thrown for 449 yards along with 3 touchdowns and an interceptions. With a more vertically oriented passing attack being brought by the 49ers the Cardinals’ secondary will need to close off any passing lanes and eliminate any big plays by receivers Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith.

Odds:

Arizona -9.5

O/U 45

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Prediction:

While the Cardinals haven’t won on the road against the 49ers since 2008, don’t expect that to prevent the team from performing at the level we are accustomed to seeing them play at. Many analysts and fans alike are calling this a trap game for the Cardinals, especially after two back to back wins against touch competition on Sunday Night Football. Bruce Arians has kept this team grounded all season and once again won’t let the success get to the Cardinals head. Expect the Cardinals to finally end their losing streak on the road against the 49ers and increase their lead in the NFC West and improve their outside shot at the NFC’s #1 seed. Cardinals 38 49ers 13