49ers vs. Cardinals: 3 stats that should scare San Francisco

The 49ers visit the undefeated Cardinals in a Week 5 NFC West showdown, and these three stats are certainly going to be an issue for San Francisco.

Right now, the San Francisco 49ers are the worst team in the NFC West. At least in terms of record and standings, 2-2 and having lost the tiebreaker with the Seattle Seahawks during that Week 4 loss.

Meanwhile, in something of a surprise a quarter of the way through the 2021 season, the Arizona Cardinals sit atop the division and remain the only undefeated team left in the NFL.

Few probably predicted that outcome. But here we are.

The Niners enter this road contest at their temporary 2020 home, State Farm Stadium in Arizona, as 5.5-point underdogs, according to WynnBET. Yet with some of the odd developments seen over the course of the season already, perhaps Week 5 is when San Francisco finally pulls off a statement win and over a team now towards the very top of nearly every NFL power rankings out there.

It won’t be easy, though.

Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is playing at an MVP-like level, while the 49ers’ own offense has been inconsistent and riddled with injuries. It’s not yet clear which quarterback the Niners will start either, Jimmy Garoppolo or Trey Lance, as Jimmy G is dealing with a calf injury suffered in Week 4.

That uncertainty, however, is only one part of the challenges head coach Kyle Shanahan and Co. will face this weekend as they look to put a stop to what’s turned into a two-game losing streak.

These three stats could end up being problematic when San Francisco faces off against Arizona.