New Look 49ers Host Improved Warner-Led Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals, (8-8 SU, 9-7 ATS, 11-5 O/U) recorded a solid 8-8 record in 2007 in head coach Ken Whisenhunt’s first season at the helm and now have the look of a team that is bent on reaching the postseason after years of wallowing in mediocrity.
The Cardinals fell to the Denver Broncos in their final preseason game, losing 28-14 on Thursday but recorded a respectable 2-2 SU mark in the preseason, shutting out the Oakland Raiders 24-0 in Week Three and beating the Kansas City Chiefs 27-17 in their Week Two preseason matchup.
While Arizona went just 8-8 straight up last season, the Cardinals did manage to pull off a winning wagering record last season for BetUS Sportsbook NFL bettors as they posted respectable ATS records, both at home, (5-3 ATS) and on the road, (4-4 ATS).
The Cardinals announced just last week that veteran signal caller Kurt Warner will start the regular season opener over former No. 10 overall draft pick Matt Leinart.
The San Francisco 49ers, (5-11 SU, 5-11 ATS, 6-10 O/U) will have a new look in 2008-09 with journeyman quarterback J.T. O’Sullivan taking over as the starter for former 2004 No. 1 overall draft pick Alex Smith, who is quickly approaching ‘all-time bust’ status.
Following a disappointing 5-11 season in 2007 under head coach Mike Nolan, the Niners – and Nolan – are getting one more opportunity to succeed as they are currently built.
Should the team not come up with at least an 8-8 record in 2008, I suspect Nolan will almost assuredly be given the hook by Niners’ management.
The 49ers fell to the San Diego Chargers 20-17 on Friday after winning each of their two previous preseason contests, 37-30 over the Chicago Bears and 34-6 over the Green Bay Packers.
San Francisco went 5-11 in 2007, the team’s third straight losing season under Nolan, posting an equally dismal 5-11 ATS record and 6-10 O/U record.
Here is a look at some of the key trends for tonight’s matchup, followed by my analysis and NFL Free Picks.
The Cardinals are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games in September.
The Cardinals are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games on grass.
The 49ers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games in Week 1.
The 49ers are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 games on grass.
The Over is 5-0 in Cardinals last 5 vs. NFC West.
The Under is 5-1 in 49ers last 6 vs. NFC West.
The Over is 7-2 in the last 9 meetings.
The Underdog is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 meetings.
The Road team is 5-0 ATS in their last 5 meetings.
NFL Odds in BetUS Sportsbook
Arizona Cardinals -2 ½ -110
San Francisco 49ers + 2 ½ -110
Over 41½ -110
Under 41½ -110
Analysis: This game would have been a ‘gimme’ for the Cardinals were Alex Smith starting for 49ers, but with O’Sullivan in charge, San Francisco actually looks competent on offense!
Still, I’m thinking the ‘improved’ Cardinals will find a way to win this game by a field goal despite being on the road in this matchup. Kurt Warner may not be very mobile anymore, but he can still read defenses expertly and make the correct decision with the ball when given time to throw. If the Niners can’t pressure Warner, he’ll pick their defense apart at some point.
NFL Free Pick: Cardinals 28 49ers 21
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