It's finally here. The San Francisco 49ers are now in Week 18 of the regular season and have a record of 12-4. There's no better way to end the season than with a matchup with an NFC West rival—the Arizona Cardinals. The 49ers look to keep their nine-game winning streak alive and improve to 13-4, but if they want to succeed, they must stick to the five keys to victory.
SHOW UP on Defense
Last week against the Raiders, the 49ers didn't seem to show up on the defensive side of the ball. The defense, for the first time since October 23, 2022, gave up 500 total yards and put pressure on the offense to score for score. This week against the Cardinals, though they will be without Kyler Murray and other key players, the 49ers defense must show up if they want to finish the season with a ten-game winning streak. Defensive end Nick Bosa looks to rebound from a sack-less game against the Raiders. Bosa needs two and a half more sacks to break the team's sack record held by former edge rusher Aldon Smith (19.5)
RUN The Ball
Since there looks to be rain in the forecast, expect the 49ers run game to carry the load. The 49ers look to get some reinforcements in the rushing attack with Elijah Mitchell and Deebo Samuel back. This could be a big day for the running backs. Look for Christian McCaffrey to start, Elijah Mitchell to sustain the second-half lead, and Jordan Mason to close the game.
Contain The Edge
In the first matchup, the 49ers didn't give up any sacks, but they did allow seven pressures. Left tackle Trent Williams and left guard Aaron allowed three quarterback hurries and one quarterback hit. Mike McGlinchey and Spencer Burford allowed four quarterback hits on the right side of the offensive line. The Cardinals will be without left defensive end Zach Allen. McGlinchey has been playing some of his best football lately, so don't expect him or Williams to give up any sacks this game. The 49ers should key in on Markus Golden. The speedy outside linebacker may look to get around the Mountain on the left side, Trent Williams, and the Hound on the right side, Mike McGlinchey.
Don't get torched by Dortch
The Cardinals will be without their top two receivers, DeAndre Hopkins and Robbie Anderson. In the last meeting between the two teams, Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch had nine receptions on ten targets for 103 yards. Dortch is quick, fast, and shifty, so expect the Cardinals to utilize him all over the field. The 49ers secondary will have their hands full competing with the speed of Marquise "Hollywood" Brown and Dortch. If the secondary can eliminate Brown with Charvarius "Mooney" Ward, they should be able to contain Dortch.
Keep the Pedal to Medal
This is the last regular season game, and you want to leave the game with a win but also healthy. So expect head coach Kyle Shanahan to be aggressive with his play calling. Once the lead is comfortable enough, expect Shanahan to relieve some of his starters. But for the most part, expect the play-calling to be aggressive and look for the offense to score a ton of points.
In Conclusion
The 49ers can win ten straight games, sweep the NFC West (6-0), and clinch and secure the number two seed with a win. With a win against the Cardinals, the 49ers will remain the hottest team heading into the Wild-Card weekend of the playoffs.