Kyler Murray must be decisive to avoid sacks: Cardinals vs. 49ers

Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray has to trust his reads and be more decisive to avoid sacks versus the San Francisco 49ers in NFL week 5.

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray has to trust his reads and be more decisive to avoid sacks versus the San Francisco 49ers in week 5.

With all the disguise coverages being used by NFL defensive coordinators,  Murray’s reluctance is just and well merited. Murray’s impeccable mechanics and intuitiveness cannot be overstated, but offensive coordinator Drew Petzing needs him to trust in his reads and let it rip.

The Cardinals’ offense went 4-for-11 on third downs this past Sunday, tallying just 17 first downs on 58 total plays and allowed four sacks. The 1-3 start hasn’t been predominately bad, but Murray’s excellence will be required if the Cardinals plan on competing for the NFC West this season.

Murray has likely been sitting in the film room with Petzing this week, assessing both ways to avoid the San Francisco 49ers pass rush, and render more completions on three-step drops.

Once Murray settles, the Cardinals can turn in more offensive scoring drives, but he has to stop overthinking and get back to playing his game.

Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.

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How to buy Arizona Cardinals vs. San Francisco 49ers NFL Week 15 tickets

Want to watch the Cardinals in person this weekend? Tickets still remain for this Week 15 divisional matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.

The Arizona Cardinals are coming off an upset win of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and are looking to build a winning streak.

Next up, the Cardinals host a divisional battle against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Dec. 17 at 4:05 p.m. EST.

Want to watch the Cardinals in person this weekend? Check out Seat Geek to find the perfect Arizona Cardinals tickets for you and anybody else you want sitting beside you as Arizona looks to finish the season strong.

As of publication, the cheapest available Cardinals vs. 49ers tickets were priced at $160.

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Best NFL underdog picks and predictions for Week 4

Analyzing NFL Week 4 betting odds and lines, with expert predictions and picks of the 3 best underdogs to cash in on.

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There were multiple unexpected upsets in Week 3. The Arizona Cardinals, Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts, all underdogs by at least a touchdown, beat their heavily favored opponents outright.

There were 5 outright underdog winners in Week 3. No others covered the spread without winning. Our 3 underdog picks were duds last week, bringing our running season record to 6-3.

Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook NFL odds and lines, and tab the best NFL Week 4 underdog bets to cash in on among SportbookWire’s NFL expert picks and predictions.

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NFL underdog predictions: Week 4

Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 10:22 p.m. ET. All games Sunday and ET unless noted.

CARDINALS +14 (-110) at 49ers – 4:25 p.m. (FOX)

The Cardinals pulled off 1 of the more unlikely upsets last week, beating the Dallas Cowboys 28-16 as 11-point underdogs. They have covered the spread in every game and held a halftime lead in all 3. They don’t fall far behind in games and have not turned the ball over in their last 2 games.

Is it likely they beat a very disciplined 49ers team? No, but 14 points is a lot to give to them after they did what they did to the Cowboys, scoring on 5 straight possessions against a team that had allowed only 10 points total previously.

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RAMS +1 (-115) at Colts – 1 p.m. (FOX)

OK, this is a case of why are the Colts favored? Yes, they beat the Ravens last week in overtime and the Rams lost to the Bengals Monday night, but QB Matthew Stafford has passed for more than 300 yards twice in 3 games.

Colts rookie QB Anthony Richardson should return to the lineup after missing a game and a half. The Colts won without him. Were it QB Gardner Minshew getting the start, I would like the Colts more.

SEAHAWKS -1 (-110)-* at Giants – Monday, 8:15 p.m. (ESPN, ABC)

*-The line has bounced back and forth. The Giants were favored Thursday morning, but now the Seahawks are a small favorite.

The Giants have played only 2 good quarters in 3 games, when they put up 31 points on the Cardinals in the 2nd half in Week 2. They had 171 yards in Week 1 and 150 in Week 3. They have allowed 32.7 points per game.

The Seahawks have put up 37 points in each of the last 2 weeks.

Others to consider

Buccaneers +3.5 (-115) at Saints is another solid choice because the Saints likely will be without QB Derek Carr, who injured his shoulder last week.

Packers (+115) over the Lions at home on Thursday night is also a fun choice because of the play of QB Jordan Love.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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