Today, the San Francisco 49ers will travel to face the NFC West leading Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
Last week, the 49ers (1-1) lost 28-20 at home to the Chicago Bears. The Cardinals (2-0) beat the New York Giants 25-14 on the road.
49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick will try to bounce back from his career high four turnover Sunday Night performance against the Bears last week. He had three interceptions and a lost fumble as the 49ers blew a 17-point lead.
This week, Kaepernick was fined over $11,000 by the NFL for an inappropriate language penalty that was called on him during the 49ers' loss. While he will appeal the penalty, no one has really come out and stated what Kaepernick said to draw the flag. "I didn't say anything," he claimed. The penalty came after an interception when he and Bears defensive end Lamarr Houston had an exchange after the play.
Adding insult to injury, the 49ers were penalized 16 times for 118 yards against the Bears and lead the league in penalties with 27.
Kaepernick has played against the Cardinals three times and is unbeaten in those appearances. He has averaged 279 yards and two touchdowns per game against Arizona. However, this time, he could be without tight end Vernon Davis or Vance McDonald. Possibly both. Davis suffered a left ankle injury against the Bears and has been on crutches most of the week while McDonald is nursing a knee injury.
Drew Stanton will start for the Cardinals in place of injured quarterback Carson Palmer, who is suffering from a bruised nerve in his shoulder. Last week, Stanton threw for only 167 yards against the Giants. While he had no touchdowns in the performance, he was also not responsible for any turnovers.
The Cardinals will also be without running back Jonathan Dwyer, who was arrested on aggravated assault chargers this week. Another missing key player will be linebacker John Abraham, who was placed on injured reserve on Friday.
The matchup is also a reunion for 49ers rookie wide receiver Bruce Ellington and Cardinals running back Andre Ellington, who are cousins.
As usual, you can visit 49erswebzone.com for the latest news and updates during and after the game. You can also follow writer Jack Hammer's live blog during the game.
Offensive Rankings:
The 49ers rank 16th with 339 yards per game. The Cardinals rank 18th with 334.5 yards per game.
Defensive Rankings:
The 49ers rank 6th, allowing 299 yards per game. The Cardinals rank 10th, allowing 315.5 yards per game.
Last Meeting:
The 49ers beat the Cardinals 23-20 in Glendale, Arizona.
Kickoff:
The game kicks off at 1:05 PM PT.
Betting:
The 49ers are 3 point favorites.
Fan Picks:
Within Yahoo! Sports, a popular mobile scores application, 65% of fans believe that the 49ers will win this game. Within our
Pick 'em contest, 91% of fans believe that the 49ers will win this game.
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Television:
The game will be televised on FOX.
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