Cardinals at 49ers
THE STORY: One of the only reasons the San Francisco 49ers haven’t already clinched the NFC West is because they have played only one division foe in their first nine games. That begins to change on Sunday when the 49ers host the Arizona Cardinals. Three of their next four games – and five of their final seven – are against NFC West rivals who are a combined 8-19. San Francisco has a five-game lead and could wrap up the division Thanksgiving weekend. The 49ers have won seven in a row following their 27-20 victory over the Giants last week – a big step toward securing at least the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs – while the Cardinals stunned the Eagles 21-17 for their second straight win. San Francisco appears to be the biggest challenge ahead for the undefeated Packers, but first things first – keeping focus on an inferior division opponent.
TV: FOX, 4:05 p.m. ET. LINE: 49ers -9.5, O/U 40.5
ABOUT THE 49ERS (8-1): Running back Frank Gore is expected to play Sunday despite injuring his knee against the Giants, but how much remains to be seen. Gore went into the Giants’ game with a sprained ankle, and was held to zero yards on six carries to snap his five-game 100-yard rushing streak. Backup Kendall Hunter had 40 yards on six carries last week, and there’s a good chance he’ll carry the load Sunday. Alex Smith has thrown 11 touchdowns and only three interceptions, and is seventh in the NFL – fourth in the NFC – with a 95.8 rating.
ABOUT THE CARDINALS (3-6): Arizona could easily have a three-game winning streak, but blew a big lead and lost 30-27 at Baltimore on Oct. 30. Quarterback Kevin Kolb “gingerly” returned to practice on a limited basis Wednesday after missing two games with an injured foot, but coach Ken Whisenhunt may not want to rush him back. John Skelton has performed admirably with four touchdown passes in two victories. Running back Beanie Wells, who is tied for third in the NFL with seven rushing touchdowns, has been slowed by a knee injury and facing the 49ers’ defense could add to the pain – the unit has not allowed a rushing touchdown this season.
EXTRA POINTS:
1. The 49ers have won the last four meetings and six of eight.
2. San Francisco has not allowed a 100-yard rusher in 31 straight games, the longest active streak in the NFL. … The 49ers are No. 1 against the run at 73.2 yards per game.
3. San Francisco is No. 1 in fewest points allowed at 15.3 per game.