The Cardinals will try to stun the NFL world by knocking off a Super Bowl contender for a second straight week.
I think this may finally be the game in which their deficiencies are exposed, as the 49ers are the pick to win the game and cover a big spread.
Here are three prop bets to consider in addition to the standard game lines. Odds via BetMGM on September 29th:
Arizona Cardinals TE Zach Ertz Under 3.5 Receptions (-115)
Ertz had six catches apiece in each of Arizona’s first two games but only two for six yards last time out.
Second-year tight end Trey McBride seems to be coming along well and may start to siphon more playing time from Ertz.
Ertz was in the game for 77% of the snaps in Week 1, 68% in Week 2 and down to 59% last week. It’s too early to say it’s a trend but Ertz may be becoming a secondary option, and getting to four catches in this game feels like it would be a lot.
The 49ers’ defense boasts star linebacker Fred Warner, star safety Talanoa Hufanga and other talented pieces, so it won’t be easy for Ertz to get open. He has great hands and does a great job recognizing zone coverages, but I still like the under on this play.
Arizona Cardinals QB Joshua Dobbs Over 0.5 Interceptions (-140)
Dobbs has yet to throw an interception in 82 pass attempts this season, which is pretty impressive. However, there have been a number of throws that could have been picked off.
Additionally, the game script has allowed Arizona to remain balanced in every game this season, as it has entered the fourth quarter with a lead in all three weeks.
That’s unlikely to be the case in this one. Dobbs might have to throw a lot in the second half, and the 49ers have an elite defensive front that will get pressure.
It all adds up to at least one pick on Sunday, and maybe more.
Arizona Cardinals WR Hollywood Brown Over 46.5 Rushing + Receiving Yards (-115)
The oddsmakers continue to put Brown’s receiving total in this area and I keep playing the over.
There is the added wrinkle of adding on rushing yards, which only costs one extra yard, as Brown’s receiving total is 45.5.
He only has one rushing attempt on the season, which came in the opener, but it went for 29 yards. Brown is dangerous with the ball in his hands, and the Cardinals could get it to him via a jet sweep or a lateral pass, so I like covering our bases by adding in the rushing potential.
The 49ers aren’t expected to allow much through the air, but Brown is clearly the No. 1 target, and even if he starts slowly there could be ample opportunity to surpass this number when the Cardinals get pass-heavy down the stretch.
Prop Bets Record This Week: 2-1
Overall: 19-10
