Cardinals-49ers: Keys to a Week 16 victory

The Cardinals need to take care of the ball, force turnovers and know their situation.

Today’s match-up in Glendale between the San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals could feel like a home game of sorts for both teams. After being displaced from their home stadium in Santa Clara California due to local governmental COVID mandates, San Francisco sought refuge in Arizona and will play their third game at State Farm Stadium.

Similar to when these two teams met in Week 1, the 49ers have once again been ravaged by injuries. Starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo will miss his seventh game. Running back Raheem Mostert was just placed on injured reserve. Starting cornerback Richard Sherman has been ruled out. Plus, backup quarterback Nick Mullens will need season-ending Tommy John surgery on his elbow.

With the 49ers’ core not being 100%, this is a prime opportunity for Arizona to secure another divisional victory and retain their lead over the Chicago Bears for the final playoff spot. 

Here are the keys for the Cardinals to secure a victory today.