Arizona Cardinals vs San Francisco 49ers Predictions

Purdy gives San Francisco the early edge

San Francisco enters Sunday's game at Levi's Stadium with a 2-0 record after beating Miami 35-13. Arizona is 1-1, with a 26-14 road win over the Los Angeles Chargers and a loss to Seattle. That difference in early results supports the 49ers as the likely winner, but their -455 moneyline leaves little room for error.

The San Francisco 49ers report that Brock Purdy leads the NFL with an 80.4% completion rate and hasn't been sacked through two games. San Francisco has averaged 31.0 points while allowing 10.0, and seven players have scored touchdowns. Those numbers favor the home team, though a two-game sample doesn't justify laying 8.5 points by itself.

Arizona can test a depleted defensive front

Trey McBride has 17 receptions, third-most in the NFL, and has caught a touchdown in both games. Jacoby Brissett has passed for 372 yards, while Tyler Allgeier and Jeremiyah Love have combined for 141 rushing yards. McBride's workload gives Arizona a clear way to move the ball if the Cardinals fall behind.

The 49ers have ruled out defensive linemen Nick Bosa, Romello Height and James Thompson Jr., along with receiver Demarcus Robinson. Receiver Mike Evans is questionable with a hip injury after returning to practice on a limited basis Friday. Those absences make San Francisco's -8.5 spread harder to back, even though Christian McCaffrey, Trent Williams and Dre Greenlaw practiced fully Friday and have no game designation.

Prediction and best bet

San Francisco is the likelier winner, with a projected score of 27-20, but that margin wouldn't cover the 8.5-point spread. The -455 moneyline is also too expensive given the defensive absences and the limited evidence available after two games. The total is 47.5, with the over at -115 and the under at -105, but there isn't enough support for a play on either side. Pass.