San Francisco 49ers: Win & Loss Predictions for Each Game of 2017 NFL Schedule
By Peter Panacy
Week 9 versus Arizona Cardinals
The 49ers cross over into the second half of the season with another NFC West bout — this time at home versus the Cardinals.
San Francisco has generally played Arizona better at Levi’s Stadium, so this is a matchup that could go in the Niners’ favor.
Plus, the Cardinals may wind up being a bit banged up by this point in the season. Not wishing injuries on anyone here — it’s just the reality of football — but Arizona’s chances for a playoff berth hinge almost entirely on key playmakers like Carson Palmer and Larry Fitzgerald staying healthy.
There’s another X-factor in the mix for the Cardinals though — running back David Johnson.
San Francisco couldn’t stop him at all when these two teams met in Santa Clara a year ago. Johnson racked up 157 yards on the ground and two touchdowns.
Perhaps this year’s 49ers defense will be much better. We can hope so. Still, stopping Johnson will be a tall order.
However, let’s predict Arizona will be dealing with some major injuries by this point in the season. Those give the edge to the Niners for their second divisional win on the year.