Potential of a new (and unexpected) threat to 49ers in the NFC West

Cardinals may be the scariest birds in NFC West

Look no further than the Cardinals when you see a potential contender to seize the NFC West crown from San Francisco. In fact, the Cardinals beat the 49ers once already in Week 5.

A one-point victory gives quarterback Kyler Murray and Co. their current tie break over the Niners as both teams are at .500 after eight games played.

Brock Purdy struggled at home against Arizona in that game when he only completed 19 of his 35 attempts. Twice, he was picked off, further hurting his team's chances to win.

The 49ers could not score in the second half of this contest as the Cardinals went on a tear with 14 unanswered points. Arizona connected on a pair of field goals along with a touchdown and a two-point conversion.

These two rivals face off in the regular season finale in Phoenix, Arizona.

With the Niners on the road in Week 18, the last game of the season could determine the NFC West winner.

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