On Monday Night Football this upcoming week, the San Francisco 49ers will look to improve to 6-4 when they take on the Arizona Cardinals in Mexico City.
The 49ers have won back-to-back games and may be on the verge of building some real momentum, especially now that they’re almost fully healthy.
Arizona may be just 4-6, but they’re a team that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
These two matchups could be the keys to San Francisco getting its third win in a row and tying the idle Seattle Seahawks for first place in the NFC West.
1. DeAndre Hopkins Vs. Charvarius Ward
Hopkins has been the Cardinals’ top option in the air over the last three seasons, and he has certainly been a dynamic wide receiver over the years.
In 2020, the last time he played every game in a single season, he put up 1,407 yards and six touchdowns while making the Pro Bowl for the fourth straight year.
Ward, whom the 49ers signed as a free agent in March, is starting to look like one of the NFL’s better cornerbacks this year, as he’s among the league leaders in passes defended with nine.
Also look out for Niners safety Talanoa Hufanga in coverage, as he could be an emerging star.
The 49ers found their new STAR on defense. 😤@TalanoaHufanga | @49ers
(by @CourtyardHotels) pic.twitter.com/NXQLEbtCel
— NFL (@NFL) November 17, 2022
2. Nick Bosa Vs. Kyler Murray (Or Colt McCoy)
Murray isn’t a lock to take the field on Monday, as he has a bad hamstring, and if he doesn’t, McCoy will be under center for Arizona.
Murray is always a threat to move the chains with his legs, so corralling him starts with the pressure up front that Bosa provides so well.
He is second in the league with 9.5 sacks and third in tackles for loss with 11 so far this season.
Fred Warner, San Francisco’s middle linebacker, is also one of the best at his position, and he could play a key role in preventing Murray from running wild on the 49ers.
