49ers vs. Cardinals: 5 players to watch for San Francisco in Week 8

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GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 01: Running back Raheem Mostert #31 of the San Francisco 49ers tackles running back Kerwynn Williams #33 of the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

The San Francisco 49ers look to pick up their second win of 2018 on the road against the one-win Arizona Cardinals, and here are five players to watch for the NFC West contest.

It certainly isn’t the most exciting game on the NFL’s schedule for Week 8. But when the San Francisco 49ers take to the road and visit the one-win Arizona Cardinals, it’s a chance to enact some vengeance from the turnover prone 28-18 loss the Niners had back in Week 5 when these two teams met last.

Plus, it’s a chance to end San Francisco’s losing streak to Arizona dating back to 2014.

On paper, the 49ers should absolutely dominate the Cardinals. They did in Week 5, statistically, outside five turnovers during the game at Levi’s Stadium. But the Niners are dealing with numerous problems of their own, including the swarm of injuries that have hindered the team over the course of the year.

The latest being the loss of starting free safety Adrian Colbert (ankle) to injured reserve.

The good news, however, is a number of key injured players look likely to participate in Sunday’s NFC West bout. Cornerback Richard Sherman (calf) is still listed as questionable, although he was a Friday participant in practice, albeit on a limited basis. And running back Matt Breida, who is dealing with an ankle injury, was a full participant Friday too.

Breida is one of San Francisco’s best offensive weapons this season, leading the NFL in average yards per carry with 6.5.

The Cardinals haven’t fared well against the run at all in 2018, meaning Breida and his fellow rushers could be in for a big game — necessary to help prevent the many turnovers San Francisco suffered the last time these two teams met.

Let’s start there with five players you’ll want to watch during the game.