Rival’s injuries could work to Arizona Cardinals advantage

Injuries to several key San Francisco 49ers could very well increase the Arizona Cardinals chances of pulling off an upset

Back on Halloween night, the Arizona Cardinals had one of the NFL’s best teams on the ropes. Very few experts believed that Kliff Kingsbury‘s group had any chance of beating a tough San Francisco 49ers club. Though the Cards ultimately fell short, may observers came away impressed with the squad’s performance during the 28-25 loss.

This coming weekend, the Cardinals and the 49ers get to go at it again. The matchup will take place exactly 17 days since their initial meeting. Will an upset be in the cards for Arizona when the rematch takes place between the division rivals?

There’s one significant factor that could point the arrow in the Cards direction. It’s quite possible that San Francisco will be forced to take the field without three of their top offensive performers. A trio of Niners who, coincidentally, had success against the Cardinals during their first get-together.

Knee and ankle injuries will likely prevent tight end George Kittle from suiting up versus Arizona. The 2018 Pro Bowler actually got dinged up during the first battle with Big Red. Kittle played through the pain that evening, hauling in six passes for 79 yards and a touchdown.

The absence of wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders would also be a blow to the 49ers scoring attack. The two-time Pro Bowler is nursing sore ribs, and may not recover in time for Sunday. Sanders burned Cards cornerback Patrick Peterson for seven receptions, 112 receiving yards and a score when they met in Glendale.

Another weapon that San Francisco could be without is running back Matt Breida. The 5’11,195 pound speedster is part of a one-two punch in the backfield that also features Tevin Coleman. Breida accounted for 92 total yards from scrimmage against the Cardinals on October 31st.

It would be a huge break for Arizona if that 49er threesome is sidelined. A struggling Cards defense will accept any advantage they can get. After three straight losses, any bit of good fortune that may come their way would be welcomed with open arms.