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San Francisco 49ers: Post-NFL Draft Win, Loss Predictions for 2017 Season

By Peter Panacy

November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) and defensive end Arik Armstead (91) celebrate during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Falcons 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) and defensive end Arik Armstead (91) celebrate during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Falcons 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 13, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end DeForest Buckner (99) recovers a fumble against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals won 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end DeForest Buckner (99) recovers a fumble against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals won 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Week 4 at Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals failed to address one of their more pressing needs in the NFL Draft — a replacement for quarterback Carson Palmer.

Palmer’s injury history is concerning, and the Cardinals seem to be trending in the wrong direction as he ages. One injury to the veteran quarterback could spell disaster.

Still, the Arizona defense is very good and got even stronger within the secondary by adding safety Budda Baker. He’ll help alleviate the loss of safety Tony Jefferson, who left via free agency.

Pairing linebacker Haason Reddick with EDGE Chandler Jones is downright scary.

Arizona underachieved last year en route to a 7-8-1 record, but at least the defense remains a force.

Why San Francisco Wins

Again, a low-scoring game would be the only way the 49ers sniff a victory here. While not as problematic as playing on the road in Seattle, the Niners haven’t had much luck in Arizona as of late.

If San Francisco does win, it will be on the back of its defense. Palmer tossed 14 interceptions last year, and the Cardinals turned the ball over 28 times.

Why Arizona Wins

It’s still early in the season, so we probably should assume Palmer is as healthy as he can be. And wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald should still be fresh, and he’s tormented Niners defensive backs for years. This is a problem too, since the 49ers don’t have a clear-cut answer at nickel.

Fitzgerald and running back David Johnson combine for big games, and Arizona’s defense snuffs out any hope of getting the Niners offense going.

Prediction

9. 42. Final. 27. 32