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Cardinals vs. 49ers: 5 Matchups in Week 5 to Watch for San Francisco

By Peter Panacy

November 29, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; General view of the line of scrimmage between the San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals.Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 29, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; General view of the line of scrimmage between the San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals.Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) tackles Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) tackles Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

LB Aaron Lynch vs. LT Jared Veldheer

The 49ers can’t get pass-rushing linebacker Aaron Lynch back soon enough, and he’ll be in line for his first 2016 action in Week 5 after serving a four-game suspension.

With rookie defensive end DeForest Buckner (foot) doubtful for the contest, even more pressure will be on for Lynch to supply, well, pressure.

Keeping Lynch from getting to the quarterback will be the prime responsibility for Cardinals left tackle Jared Veldheer.

San Francisco’s pass rush has been largely absent over the first four weeks of 2016. Lynch is still the team’s best pass-rusher and, with the questions Arizona has at quarterback, having at least one player capable of regularly getting within the pocket is a must-have for the Niners defense.

And yet this isn’t the top matchup to watch for the 49ers in Week 5.