49ers vs Cardinals Preview: What to watch for Week 5

The 49ers got back to winning ways in Week 4, now looking to build off that with another game attempt hime against the Cardinals.

The Arizona Cardinals come to town this week, promising to be another tasty matchup for the Red & Gold. San Francisco has had Arizona’s number, winning the last four contests between the two. Despite the current winning streak, the rivalry has been quite even, with the 49ers in the lead 36-29 all-time.

The 49ers and Cardinals last met Week 15 of last season, with the former beating the latter, 45-29.

Now almost 10 months removed, what should we expect in their first meeting of 2024? here’s a few keys to watch for in Week 5.

Contain Kyler Murray, Cardinals Run Game

The No.1 key to keeping the Cardinals in check for the 49ers is stopping Kyler Murray and the run game that follows.

Last time SF saw Arizona they put up 234 yards on the ground. The ball carriers combined for 185 rushing yards, while Murray chimed in 49 more via scrambling. That can’t happen this time around if the 49ers want to maintain order in the contest.

But as we’ve learned, it’s easier said than done.

“They’ve got a good scheme. They’ve got a really good running back. And then they’ve got a really good quarterback who is a threat in every single play,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said this week about the Cardinals. “Whether he runs any, you’ve always got to honor him. And when you play 11-on-11 football, in the run game, it’s something that you don’t have to do week in and week out, and that always makes it a more challenge.”

That run game is spearheaded by veteran James Conner.

Despite being in his eighth NFL season, he hasn’t lost a step, already over 300 scrimmage yards through four games. Stopping him will be the main priority for the Red & Gold.

However, not allowing Murray to get into the open field might be more important. If they can keep him at bay, the rest of the Cardinals’ offense will have to work overtime to pick up the slack.

#49ers Fred Warner on facing Kyler Murray and the #Cardinals 👀#Rearview pic.twitter.com/KlJVXPpIJd

— G.O.A.T. Farm Sports (@GOATfarmmedia) October 4, 2024

Get Brandon Aiyuk going

It’s Week 5; Time to see Brandon Aiyuk put his money where his mouth is.

Since inking a 4-year, $120 million deal, the Arizona State alum has been pedestrian to say the least. Aiyuk has a mere 13 catches for 167 receiving yards so far. This time last season: 320, and that’s including missing Week 3 due to injury.

Point being: The 49ers need the Brandon Aiyuk of old to re-emerge if they want to keep the gas pedal on their opponents’ necks this season.

Signs are pointing up though. The 49ers got BA going early with a 38-yard crosser that sprung him over the middle of the field. That, and the fact that teams are still scheming for #11, are signs his All-Pro production is on its’ way back.

“I mean, I feel like he’s definitely a guy that when defenses are scheming up our offense, they’ve got to circle 11 and know that if you leave him one-on-one, he’s going to be a target at some point in the game,” 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy said another Aiyuk. “We still have plenty of opportunities for us to be able to get him the ball. And that’s something that throughout the game plans and stuff throughout the week, we still find a way to make it work. So, I know we’re going to get him plenty of targets and plays coming, we’re excited about it.”

That could mean an increased target share in Week 5 against the Cardinals’ porous secondary. The 49ers as a whole put up over 250 air yards the last time these two met.

Now seems like the perfect time for Aiyuk to reintroduce himself to the football world.

This is the Brandon Aiyuk we’ve been waiting to see pic.twitter.com/nd3VZti6Y1

— Brad (@Graham_SFN) October 2, 2024

Beat the Heat

It’s October; But somebody tell Mother Nature that because it is hot!

Week 5 at Levi’s Stadium is set to be a scorcher, with kickoff temperatures hovering around the mid-90s on Sunday. That would make it a record for a 49ers’ game at Levi’s Stadium. Because of that, expect some slower bodies on the field this week, with plenty of IVs going around.

But even then, no one can truly prepare for a record-setting heatwave on gameday.

The #49ers game this weekend vs #Cardinals is expected to be the hottest game in Levi’s Stadium history 🥵 pic.twitter.com/w6zHmqLq2s

— 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙎𝙁𝙉𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙨 (@TheSFNiners) October 4, 2024

“I would assume so. Each person is different. Sometimes when you push IVs a lot, then people think they don’t have to hydrate at all and they just depend on the IV,” Shanahan explained. “So we’re not preaching all that yet, but that’s usually what you do in these situations. A number of guys do it, just as routine anyway, on Sundays. I wouldn’t be surprised if a lot more are doing it this Sunday.”

The 49ers have taken additional measures to try and keep cool, including wearing their white pants from their 1994 alternate uniforms. SF tried to get the league’s permission to wear all-white on Sunday, but the NFL wouldn’t go for it.

With that being said: If you’re going to the game this week, bring sunscreen and plenty of water. It’s going to be a hot one at Levi’s Stadium.

Score Prediction: 49ers 27, Cardinals 17

49ers Week 5 Injury Report

Out:

LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (calf)

DE Yetur Gross-Matos (knee)

Doubtful:

WR Chris Conley (oblique)

Questionable:

WR Jacob Cowing (shoulder)

TE George Kittle (ribs)

LB Fred Warner (ankle)

CB Isaac Yiadom (thigh)

DT Kalia Davis (knee)

San Francisco 49ers 2024 Schedule:

Regular Season

• Sunday, October 6th vs. Arizona Cardinals – 1:05 pm PDT
• Thursday, October 10th @ Seattle Seahawks [TNF] – 5:15 pm PDT
• Sunday, October 20th vs. Kansas City Chiefs [SB LVIII Rematch]– 1:25 pm PDT
• Sunday, October 27th vs. Dallas Cowboys [SNF] – 5:20 pm PDT
• Week 9 Bye Week

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