Arizona Cardinals-San Francisco 49ers Odds and Picks Against the Spread

Then again, the 49ers can claim just two covers in the past 10 efforts at home.

BREAKDOWN

Cardinals QB Drew Stanton might be better as a starter than coming out of the bullpen. He is 6-3 when regular QB Carson Palmer, out for the season (arm), is unavailable. When Palmer departed mid-game two weeks ago, Stanton was 5-for-14 in relief for 62 yards and one pick.

Because of the devastating loss of RB David Johnson, the Cards are passing on a league-high 67.5 percent of their snaps. With Palmer out, recently acquired RB Adrian Peterson working himself in and pass-catching RB Andre Ellington (quad) ailing, they would relish finding more run-pass balance.

This could be the week to accomplish the goal as the 49ers will be begging for points. QB C.J. Beathard, thrown to the wolves, barely completed half of his throws in two starts, which have resulted in just 5.9 yards per attempt.

The culprit is a decimated line. Left OT Joe Staley (eye) is inactive, joining backup Garry Gilliam (knee). RT Trent Brown (concussion) and RG Brandon Fusco (biceps) might have to give way to second-stringers. One, Erik Magnunson, has never started as a pro.

PICK

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