49ers vs. Cardinals: San Francisco hosts Arizona in must-win game

49ers X-factors and players to watch

QB C.J. Beathard

In his five starts as a rookie, Beathard had one fantastic performance — his lone victory against the Giants — and poor performances in each of his four losses. Last week, Beathard was much more consistent, which is exactly what the 49ers need from their former backup quarterback over the remainder of the 2018 season. Simply put, if Beathard plays like he did last week, the 49ers should beat the Cardinals today.

49ers’ Offensive Tackles

If both of San Francisco’s starting offensive tackles are able to suit up against Arizona, that will provide a big boost to the 49ers’ offensive attack. Of the two injured starters, Staley is the least likely to play. If swing tackle Garry Gilliam is forced into action, the Cardinals will look to take advantage of the poor pass blocker, who has continued to demonstrate his lack of effectiveness in the passing game throughout the season.

CB K’Waun Williams

Fitzgerald has been a thorn in the 49ers’ side for the last 14 years, as the future Hall-of-Fame wide receiver has amassed 163 receptions for 2,169 and 17 touchdowns against San Francisco over the course of his career. The 6-foot-3 wide receiver prefers to line up in the slot, where he will likely face 5-foot-9 nickel cornerback K’Waun Williams. However, Fitzgerald continues to battle a hamstring injury, and is officially listed as questionable for Sunday’s matchup. If Fitz sits, Williams will instead line up across from talented second-round wideout Christian Kirk, who caught seven of eight targets for 90 yards in his lone start of his rookie season.

49ers’ Linebackers

With Rosen starting just his second NFL game, Cardinals offensive coordinator Mike McCoy and head coach Steven Wilks would be smart to feature their most explosive playmaker, David Johnson, heavily in Sunday’s contest. If so, the 49ers’ linebacker trio of Reuben Foster, Fred Warner and Malcolm Smith will need to focus on keeping the dual-threat back under wraps. San Francisco’s entire defense, beginning with their linebacking corps, also needs to show immediate improvement in the tackling department, which has been an embarrassment over the first quarter of the 2018 season.

49ers’ Pass Rush

San Francisco’s opposing quarterback has one career NFL start to his name, isn’t mobile, and relies on timing and sound mechanics for success — and he will be playing behind a porous Arizona offensive line. The 49ers’ defensive front needs to consistently pressure Rosen and force him off his spot throughout the game. If there’s a time for San Francisco’s anemic pass rush to rebound, it’s today’s matchup against the Cardinals.