Cardinals vs. 49ers Point Spread: NFL Week 4 Odds, Prediction
The Cardinals snapped a nine-game losing streak in stunning fashion last weekend, upsetting the previously red-hot Dallas Cowboys 28-16 while also claiming a third straight win against the spread. The 49ers enter the week perched atop both the NFC West standings and the Super Bowl odds after rolling to a crushing 30-12 victory over the visiting New York Giants last week on Thursday Night Football. The Niners now enjoy a 13-game win streak in regular season action and are also undefeated in eight straight meetings with NFC West opponents.
The 49ers have faded slightly to 14-point favourites on the NFL odds since opening at -14.5. The Cardinals trail as distant +625 moneyline underdogs, and the total has soared to 44 since opening at 42.
NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis
Sunday afternoon’s matchup at Levi’s Stadium marks the first of two regular season meetings between these NFC West rivals. The Niners swept last year’s season series, outscoring the Cards by a 76-23 margin, and ending a woeful 3-11 run in head-to-head action. Last season’s dominance over Arizona also changed to 49ers’ fortunes at the sportsbook, where they have covered their past two dates with Arizona after going 1-7-1 ATS in their previous nin.
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals have proven to be far more competitive than most observers expected during their 1-2 start, and after squandering second-half leads against the Washington Commanders and New York Giants, the squad finally closed the deal with last week’s impressive win over Dallas. Quarterback Josh Dobbs turned his steadiest performance of the season, connecting on 81% of pass attempts for 189 yards and one touchdown, while James Conner enjoyed another big day, scrambling for 98 yards and one score, and has now averaged 100 yars rushing in his past two games.
Even more remarkable was the play of the Cards defence, which harassed Dak Prescott all afternoon. The defence was particularly impressive after recess, limiting the Cowboys to just six total points on four red zone drives including an interception in end zone with just three minutes left that sealed the win. However, injuries are a concern heading into the weekend, with Conner seeing limited time at practice due to a back injury, and defenders Jonathan Ledbetter, Zaven Collins, and Josh Woods all finding their way on to the injury report.
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers continued to set themselves apart from the league with another master class performance in last week’s victory over the Giants. The Niners have now scored 30 points in each of their first three games, and have scored at least 30 points in eight of Brock Purdy’s past 10 regular season appearances. Purdy has shown no ill effects from his off-season health issues, throwing for 310 yards and two touchdowns in last week’s win, and has now avoided throwing a pick in seven straight games. That streak began with his three-touchdown performance in a 38-13 when the Cardinals last visited in January.
The big challenge facing the 49ers is a rash of injuries impacting their receiving corps, with Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, and Jauan Jennings all missing time at practice this week. However, the Niners can be confident leaning into their ground game, considering Christian McCaffrey’s strong start. McCaffrey has compiled 353 total rushing yards over the first three weeks, and has recorded at least one scoring run or catch in each of his past 12 overall appearances.
ARI
SF