49ers vs Cardinals odds - Cardinals will slow 49ers' offense to a halt
Sports betting players didn’t give Arizona’s defense much credit when they overcame last year’s Super Bowl odds to reach the big game, but they’ve improved over the offseason. The Cardinals open the season against San Francisco, whose offense is missing a key weapon, and Arizona will take advantage of this.
49ers vs Cardinals odds: Cardinals -6.5
- WHAT: NFL betting
- WHEN: Sunday, September 13, 4:15 PM ET
- WHERE: University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, AZ
- KEY STAT: Arizona has won three of its last four home games against the 49ers
- PICK: Arizona
49ers vs Cardinals odds: The Storyline
These NFC West rivals kick off the season and the Cardinals are looking to show their Super Bowl appearance was no fluke after breaking Seattle's four-year stranglehold on the division. The 49ers have high expectations themselves, but a rookie holdout threatens their offshore sportsbook odds. Betting Edge: Draw
49ers vs Cardinals odds maker breakdown: Offense
The 49ers are deep at running back with Frank Gore and rookie Glen Coffee, and they decided on Shaun Hill over Alex Smith at quarterback. However, their receiving hopes rested with rookie hold out Michael Crabtree. Even if they get him signed before the season, he’ll be behind. The Cardinals had problems of a different kind with their first-round pick, running back Chris “Beanie” Wells, who was limited with an ankle injury, though he should be close to 100% for this game. Still, the Cardinals retain the main weapons from their fourth-ranked offense that took them to the Super Bowl, including pivot Kurt Warner, and the receiving duo of Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. Steve Breaston had a knee injury but he should see some action here. Betting Edge: Cardinals
49ers vs Cardinals odds maker breakdown: Defense
The 49ers had to improve on defense once coach Mike Singletary put his stamp on the team, and they finished last year 11th in the league. The linebacking duo of Patrick Willis and Takeo Spikes is one of the best in the NFL, while Michael Lewis marshals a deep secondary. Justin Smith is equally adept at pass rushing and run stopping as the defensive-line leader, and this unit is the reason why some are picking the 49ers as an NFL betting sleeper pick. The Arizona defense raised its game in the playoffs and improved by snagging corner Bryant McFadden from Pittsburgh, which beat the Cardinals in the Super Bowl. The line is solid if unspectacular. Betting Edge: 49ers
49ers vs Cardinals odds maker breakdown: Special Teams
Allen Rossum was one of the best kicker returners in the league in 2008 and he returns for another year to give the 49ers good field position, which they’ll need with their offense. Joe Nedney is one of the most consistent kickers out there. Breaston is penciled in as the Cardinals’ return man but, if he’s injured, they’ll have to find a replacement. The kicking game is in good hands with Neil Rackers. Betting Edge: 49ers
49ers vs Cardinals odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
The Breaston injury hurts the Cardinals’ aerial attack, but because Fitzgerald and Boldin are there it’s not a big deal. Though not an injury, the absence of Crabtree is a huge blow to the 49ers’ already-anemic offense. Betting Edge: Cardinals
49ers vs Cardinals betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
The 49ers were always going to struggle to score points, but not having Crabtree is the last thing they needed heading into the season. The Cardinals’ defense, especially the secondary, is good enough to shut down Hill and the 49ers, as they can key on the running backs and go man-to-man in pass coverage. The San Francisco defense will make the Cardinals work, but Arizona should put enough points up to help out the defense. STAN’S PICK: Arizona
For more online betting picks and tips throughout the NFL season, bookmark the Betting Edge at BetOnline.com. For more on the 49ers vs Cardinals matchup, check out our stats section. Stan Simmons first tasted football through the college game, but his football handicapping has strictly focused on the professional sport. Not many people devote as much time to the NFL as Simmons. For six days a week he works, labors and handicaps the sport, and on the seventh he rests as the games play out. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
