49ers open up as 2.5-point underdogs against the Cardinals in Week 9

After an impressive second-half showing against the Chicago Bears, the 49ers are 2.5-point underdogs for their Week 9 home game against the Arizona Cardinals at DraftKings Sportsbook. The total on the game is set at 46. Vegas is suggesting the Cardinals win 25-22.

The 49ers' defense could catch a break as Jay Glazer of Fox Sports reported Sunday morning that Kyler Murray suffered a sprained ankle that could sideline him for 1-3 weeks. Glazer added that Murray’s status would be determined throughout the week. Murray will show up to Arizona’s facilities Monday and see if the swelling has gone down or not. We’ll keep a close eye on Murray’s practice participation this week.

The Cardinals played on Thursday, so having a few extra days to heal up should benefit them. DeAndre Hopkins only played 15 snaps against the Packers as he dealt with a hamstring injury that could linger the rest of the season. Arizona is already without J.J. Watt for the season. So tSo they could potentially be without their three best players next Sunday against San Francisco.

The Niners had their fair share of opportunities to beat the Cardinals when they had a full bill of health. With Jimmy Garoppolo under center, it’ll be interesting to see how Shanahan attacks Arizona this time. With Trey Lance, he was aggressive out of the gate. But, unfortunately, the offense didn’t take advantage.

If the Cardinals have a hobbled Kyler or Colt McCoy starting, expect the defense to resemble what we saw in the fourth quarter of the Bears game and not the first 2.5 quarters.