Super Bowl losers have historically struggled the following season, a trend San Francisco hopes to buck when it kicks off the 2020 campaign against Arizona. The Cardinals have been a thorn in the Niners’ side for years, winning eight of the last 10 meetings.
- Date/Time: September 13, 4:25 p.m. ET
- Stadium: Levi’s Stadium
- TV Coverage: Fox
- Sportsbook Odds: 49ers -7.5 | O/U 44.5 (Line History)
- Cardinals vs 49ers Matchup Report
Sportsbook Odds Analysis
Underdogs are 6-0-1 in the last seven meetings between these rivals, and that’s where the early money’s been on this matchup as well, moving the line down to Arizona +7 at the time of writing. The OVER has also been a popular bet, driving the total up to 47.5 at most online betting sites.
Arizona News & Notes
Key offseason acquisition DeAndre Hopkins has been hampered by a tight hamstring throughout training camp, but the star receiver is expected to suit up against San Francisco. The limited practice time may mean Hopkins, who averaged 1,200 yards per year in his first seven NFL seasons with the Texans, may not quite yet have built chemistry with Arizona quarterback Kyler Murray.
Chemistry could also be an early issue for the Cardinals on the defensive side of the ball, where they’re plugging several new starters and a new defensive co-ordinator into a unit that allowed the most yards in the NFL last year. Arizona has not won a September game in more than two years (0-8-1 SU).
There’s been no better spot recently to back the Cardinals, however, than when they’re visiting NFC West opponents. Arizona is a sizzling 12-3-2 ATS in its last 17 divisional road games, including 3-0-1 in its last four at San Francisco.
San Francisco News & Notes
How will the 49ers respond in their first game since losing the Super Bowl last February? History suggests not very well. Over the past 21 years, teams coming off a Super Bowl loss are just 8-13 SU and 6-15 ATS in their Week 1 contest the following season. However, it’s worth noting that the Rams (last year) and Patriots (2018) both won and covered their season debuts after losing the Super Bowl the previous year.
The Super Bowl hangover theory isn’t the only negative trend that 49ers backers should be wary of. San Francisco has been a bad bet for years as a home favorite, going 6-19-1 ATS as home chalk in its last 26 attempts. The 49ers are also just 1-6-1 ATS in their last eight home games vs NFC West opponents.
San Fran may be without key blocker Kyle Juszczyk as the fullback is listed as questionable with a hamstring injury. Second-year receiver Deebo Samuel is also questionable after being activated off the non-football injury list last weekend.
Betting Pick: Cardinals +7
I liked this wager a lot more when the line was +7.5, but there’s still enough meat left on the bone to grab Arizona plus a full touchdown. The Cardinals have shown they won’t be intimidated facing the defending NFC champs and their familiarity with the Niners should help make this another close contest.
- Arizona is 12-3-2 ATS in its last 17 divisional road games.
- San Francisco is 1-6-1 ATS in its last 8 divisional home games.
- Arizona is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games against San Francisco.
