3 Bold Predictions: Arizona Cardinals vs. San Francisco 49ers – Week 5
By Sion Fawkes
Conner takes over
In Week 4, the Cardinals running game stepped up, and they were a huge reason for their convincing win over the Los Angeles Rams. So far, it’s unclear whether Chase Edmonds suits up one week after logging 10 yards per carry and 121 rushing yards. Kyler Murray pitched in with 39 yards, and James Conner scored two rushing touchdowns.
The 49ers have surrendered 4.5 yards per carry and ranked 17th in rushing defense before the Thursday Night Game between the Seahawks and Rams. The Rams posted a similar yards per carry allowed so far, and after their Thursday Night affair with Seattle, they are tied with the 49ers in the yards per carry allowed category.
Therefore, look for the Cardinals’ running game to continue to operate on all cylinders, whether Edmonds can go or if Conner gets the nod. Either way, look for Conner to receive more playing time in this one, perhaps spending the week as the RB1 given Edmonds’ injury. And given the dominance that the running game showed in Week 4, this time, it will be Conner having his first 100-yard game of the year.