49ers-Cardinals preview: San Francisco, C.J. Beathard get “do-over” in Week 8

49ers X-factors and players to watch

Turnover battle

The 49ers’ turnover differential of -15 is easily the league’s worst mark, and is on pace to break NFL records. San Francisco needs their defenders — who have dropped a number of fairly easy interceptions in recent weeks — to be playmakers on Sunday. The Niners’ secondary needs to take advantage of the opportunities they’re presented with, and those opportunities will likely come with Rosen under center. Offensively, the 49ers need to hold on to the ball, as you can’t lose the turnover battle if you don’t turn the ball over.

C.J. Beathard

Of all players on the field today, Beathard has the most control over whether the 49ers win the turnover battle. Beathard is also the player with the most on the line against Arizona, as another performance similar to Week 5 could potentially cost the quarterback his job. The bar isn’t high for Sunday’s game, but the 49ers still need better play from their backup QB.

49ers’ offensive line

Keeping Beathard — who hasn’t played well under pressure — clean and upright will be a priority for the 49ers’ offensive line today, as will opening holes in the run game in order to avoid obvious passing situations. San Francisco’s offensive line will also pay special attention to Cardinals’ defensive end Chandler Jones, who was extremely disruptive against the team in Week 5.

49ers’ front seven

Cardinals running back David Johnson is having a down year in 2018, but he’s still one of the top backs in the league. Johnson hasn’t been able to overcome the Cardinals’ lack of a viable passing game, or the team’s unimaginative offensive game plans and play calling. Expect Arizona’s new offensive coordinator to be a bit more creative on Sunday, and to look to get Johnson the ball in space. In addition to pressuring Rosen, the 49ers’ front four need to stop Johnson before he gets up to top speed, and San Francisco’s linebacking corps need to make the tackles they’ve missed throughout the first seven games of the season.

TE George Kittle

A week after accounting for nearly all of the 49ers’ passing attack, tight end George Kittle will be leaned on heavily again in today’s contest. The Cardinals’ star cornerback Patrick Peterson will likely follow the 49ers’ No. 1 wide receiver Marquise Goodwin, Garcon didn’t make the trip to Arizona, and Sunday will be Pettis’ first game back from injury, so Beathard’s passing options on the outside may be limited. Beathard’s go-to receiver Kittle has been one of the NFL’s top tight ends this season, and will need to continue to produce like a Pro Bowl TE on Sunday.