San Francisco 49ers vs. Arizona Cardinals Week 16 Pick

Following a thrilling victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in week 15, the Arizona Cardinals kept their postseason hopes alive thanks to enormous performances from both QB Kyler Murray and WR DeAndre Hopkins. At 8-6 SU, the Cardinals now control their postseason destiny, but they must win out to clinch a playoff berth. There are also a few scenarios where Arizona could still win the AFC West, but that would need a lot of specific circumstances to take place. For now, the Cardinals have their eyes on closing out the season with two victories. The path to that goal starts on Saturday when the Cardinals host the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium as mere 3.5 point favorites.

49ers injuries continue to mount

Does anyone remember when San Francisco was the best team in the NFC? Just last year, the 49ers won the NFC Championship and made a Super Bowl appearance despite losing to the Kansas City Chiefs. However, those accomplishments seem like they occurred ages ago for Kyle Shannahan and the 49ers. The 2020 campaign has been derailed with numerous injuries that seemingly only get worse with each passing week. Starting QB Jimmy Garroppolo is on the IR for possibly the rest of the season. WR Deebo Samuel has been sidelined throughout the year and is in jeopardy of missing again in week 16. TE George Kittle is also on the IR but has a chance to play this week if the team elects to activate him.

More importantly, the 49ers suffered more concerns in last week's 41-33 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Backup QB Nick Mullens came out of the game on the final drive with an elbow injury. Meanwhile, both running backs Jeff Wilson and Raheem Mostert were banged up with apparent ankle injuries that will put their status in jeopardy going into week 16's match-up with Arizona. At the time of writing, it appears that Mullens' injury was minor, so he should not miss time. However, I think Mullens' performance may have the backup on a short leash. Mullens has tossed eight interceptions in the last five games, including two critical picks last week's loss to the Cowboys. It would not be out of the realm of possibility to see C.J. Beathard get an opportunity behind center if that trend continues on Saturday. UPDATE*** QB Nick Mullens is out, and C.J. Beathard will start.

49ers vs. Cardinals Betting Trends

• The 49ers are 1-6 ATS in the last seven games
• The 49ers are 0-5-1 ATS in their last six games against Arizona.
• The 49ers are 2-9 SU in their last 11 games against Arizona.
• The 49ers are 1-5 ATS in the last six games against NFC opponents.
• The Cardinals are 2-5 ATS in the last seven games.
• The Cardinals are 4-2 ATS in the last six games against NFC opponents.
• The Cardinals have hit the "over" in their last five games.