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Cardinals vs. 49ers: 5 San Francisco storylines to watch in Week 9

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 06: Andre Ellington #38 of the Arizona Cardinals rushes with the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 6, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 06: Andre Ellington #38 of the Arizona Cardinals rushes with the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 6, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 01: Running back Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers rushes the football against the Arizona Cardinals during the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the 49ers in overtime 18-15. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 01: Running back Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers rushes the football against the Arizona Cardinals during the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the 49ers in overtime 18-15. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

The San Francisco 49ers host the visiting Arizona Cardinals in Week 9, and Niner Noise breaks down five specific storylines to watch in this NFC West bout.

For the first time since Week 5 against the Indianapolis Colts, the San Francisco 49ers arguably have a chance to end their winless streak this season as they host the 3-4 Arizona Cardinals in Week 9.

According to Sportsbook Review, the Cardinals are still one-point favorites but will have to win on the road with a backup quarterback, Drew Stanton, with veteran Carson Palmer (forearm) on injured reserve.

Quarterbacking play in this contest might not be the thing to watch. The Niners will still counter with the rookie, C.J. Beathard, despite the recent acquisition of former New England Patriots backup Jimmy Garoppolo earlier this week.

Beathard hasn’t exactly been effective his first two starts, although he’ll be expected to roll with the punches until the Niners feel comfortable starting Garoppolo.

And that might not be for a while.

Beathard’s challenges under center in this contest will be a storyline to watch. But let’s focus on some others that should draw our attention this Sunday.