This game’s spread indicates an extreme passing game script for the Cardinals, who are big -11.5-point underdogs.
Accounting for their underlying propensities and matchup dynamics, our trusted projections expect the Cardinals to pass on 62.5% of their chances: the 3rd-greatest clip among all teams this week.
The passing attacks of both teams (as it relates to both volume and effectiveness) figure to benefit from the still “weather” conditions (meaning zero wind) inside this dome, while ground volume may drop-off.
The 49ers defense has been a prominent pass funnel this year, inducing opposing QBs to attempt the 5th-most passes in the NFL (39.0 per game) this year.
Trey McBride’s 46.0 adjusted yards per game on passes this year represents a significant improvement in his receiving prowess over last year’s 29.0 figure.
Cons
Based on their underlying tendencies and game dynamics, the Arizona Cardinals are anticipated by our trusted projection set to call only 61.5 plays on offense in this contest: the fewest among all teams this week.
The Arizona offensive line ranks as the 6th-worst in the NFL this year in protecting the QB, which has a negative effect on all passing offense metrics across the board.
The 49ers defense has surrendered the 2nd-fewest adjusted receiving yards per game in the NFL (just 37.0) versus tight ends this year.
The San Francisco 49ers pass defense has exhibited good efficiency vs. TEs this year, conceding 5.73 adjusted yards-per-target to the position: the fewest in the league.
As it relates to linebackers in covering pass-catchers, San Francisco’s group of LBs has been excellent this year, ranking as the 2nd-best in the league.