The San Francisco 49ers head into Week 3 with a clean 2-0 record and a strong case for being the NFL’s top team through the first two weeks. But the Arizona Cardinals, sitting at 1-1, are not being treated like a routine divisional opponent by everyone watching this matchup.
Donnie Druin of Arizona Cardinals on SI sees a game that could stay tight from start to finish, and his read on it is a little more surprising than the broader consensus around the league. While most Week 3 predictions seem to lean comfortably toward San Francisco, Druin pointed to how close these teams have played in their recent meetings in San Francisco. In both of those matchups, the final margin was just one point.
That history matters here because Arizona is trying to avoid another rough season under new head coach Mike LaFleur. The Cardinals opened with a statement win over the Los Angeles Chargers, then stumbled in a forgettable Week 2 loss to Seattle. Still, there’s a sense they can make noise after that first-game shocker and prove they belong in the NFC West conversation.
The context around the division only adds to the intrigue. The 49ers entered the year as the heavy favorite, while the Cardinals were left outside the circle of serious contenders by plenty of observers. Arizona’s early showing against the Chargers changed at least some of that perception.
Druin also noted that San Francisco has been hit hard by injuries, even as the team keeps winning. That makes Sunday’s game a little less straightforward than the records suggest.
It’s the kind of NFC West matchup that rarely follows the script. Arizona will try to rebound from its Week 2 disappointment, and San Francisco will be looking to get to 3-0 and keep its place at the top of the division.
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