Free Pick: San Francisco (2-2) at Arizona (4-0) 10/10/21

For the 2nd straight week, the NFC West division teams are going head-to-head with each other. This one features the only undefeated team left in the NFL (Arizona), against a desperate 49ers team that is in danger of losing three straight and falling to 2-3. Here are some matchups.

QUARTERBACKS:

San Francisco: Jimmy Garoppolo 78 completions out of 118 attempts for 925 yards and five touchdowns.

Arizona: Kyler Murray completing 102 passes out of 134 attempts (76%) for 1273 yards with 9 touchdowns. He also has rushed for 109 yards and 3 touchdowns.

It is unclear whether Garoppolo is going to play Sunday but it doesn’t matter who plays. Murray is better. Advantage: Arizona

RUNNING BACKS:

San Francisco: Eli Mitchell and Trey Sermon combined with 66 carries for 272 yards.

Arizona: Chase Edmonds and James Conner combined with 96 carries for 427 yards.

Arizona has run the ball better than the Niners. Advantage: Arizona

RECEIVERS:

San Francisco: Deebo Samuel 28 catches for 490 yards. George Kittle 19 for 227.

Arizona: DeAndre Hopkins 17 catches for 225 yards and three touchdowns. Christian Kirk 16 for 244.

Cardinals have spread the ball around to a lot of guys and they don’t have impressive individual stats but they are capable. Samuel and Kittle have been really good for the 49ers. Advantage: San Francisco

DEFENSE:

Both team has similar numbers on defense. San Francisco is led in tackles by Fred Warner with 22 and Nick Bosa will be a factor wanting to add to his 4 sacks on the season. The 49ers defense is going to have to play well and control Murray if that is possible. Arizona is led by defensive back, Budda Baker, and linebackers, Jordan Hicks and Isaiah Simmons who have combined for 67 tackles. Linebacker, Chandler Jones has come up with 5 sacks. Advantage: Arizona

All stats point to an Arizona victory in this one, but we can’t overlook the desperation that the Niners will play with as they need to win this game. A lot will depend on whether Garoppolo can play and as I am writing this nothing is certain on that. Can the Cardinals handle the responsibility that comes with being the league’s best team? Arizona is a 5.5-point favorite.

DUDES WHO BET SPORTS PICK: San Francisco +5.5 (if Garoppolo plays)