As the San Francisco 49ers prepare to take on the Arizona Cardinals in a crucial NFC West matchup at Levi’s Stadium, excitement is in the air. Last season, the 49ers secured all their games against the Cardinals, but historical rivalries suggest this encounter could be a different story. After suffering a heavy defeat to Washington, Arizona is determined to bounce back and prove their worth.

The 49ers are riding high after a strong win over New England and are eager to maintain their momentum to clinch the NFC West lead following two divisional victories in just one week.

Let’s delve into each offensive position and assess who holds the advantage:

Quarterback Analysis

1. Kyler Murray (Arizona): 75 completions on 108 attempts, 777 yards, 6 touchdowns, 1 interception, and a 104.6 QB rating.

2. Brock Purdy (San Francisco): 84 completions on 122 attempts, 1,136 yards, 5 touchdowns, 2 interceptions, and a 105.1 QB rating.

Historically, running quarterbacks have caused trouble for the 49ers. The key to containing Murray will be to keep him confined to the pocket and compel him to throw under pressure. While Murray has showcased explosive running ability with 164 rushing yards, Purdy has displayed incredible poise and effectiveness in his passing game. This season, Purdy is outperforming all expectations, marking a significant improvement in his gameplay.

Advantage: 49ers

Running Back Comparison

- James Conner (Arizona): 63 attempts for 288 yards and 3 touchdowns.

- Jordan Mason (San Francisco): 91 attempts for 447 yards and 3 touchdowns.

San Francisco’s commitment to the ground game continues to be a staple of their offense. Conner’s contributions are noteworthy, but circumstances have often forced the Cardinals to abandon the run. Meanwhile, Mason has thrived in stepping up as the primary back and has demonstrated a remarkable ability to break tackles, far outpacing Conner in this aspect of the game.

Advantage: 49ers

Wide Receiver Showdown

- Marvin Harrison Jr. (Arizona): 15 receptions for 243 yards and 4 touchdowns.

- Greg Dortch (Arizona): 15 receptions for 131 yards.

- Michael Wilson (Arizona): 14 receptions for 138 yards.

- Deebo Samuel (San Francisco): 16 receptions for 222 yards.

- Brandon Aiyuk (San Francisco): 13 receptions for 167 yards.

- Jauan Jennings (San Francisco): 21 receptions for 364 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Harrison Jr. has turned heads since entering the league and has quickly established himself as a key playmaker. The 49ers’ receiving corps, led by Jennings, has been nothing short of impressive, and a fully-healthy Samuel will likely exploit Arizona's weaknesses, adding another layer of complexity for the Cardinals' defense.

Advantage: 49ers

Tight End Battle

- Trey McBride (Arizona): 14 receptions for 122 yards.

- George Kittle (San Francisco): 15 receptions for 161 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Both players have had similar game participation this season. McBride shows promise as a player on the rise, while Kittle consistently remains one of the league’s elite at his position, not only as a receiver but also as a solid blocker. This matchup could also be closer than expected due to McBride's potential.

Advantage: 49ers, but it's closer than one might think

Offensive Line Assessment

Arizona's O-Line: Paris Johnson Jr., Evan Brown, Hjalte Froholdt, Will Hernandez, Kelvin Beachum.

San Francisco's O-Line: Trent Williams, Aaron Banks, Jake Brendel, Dominick Puni, Colton McKivitz.

San Francisco's offensive line has been a topic of interest, particularly in comparison to Arizona’s. Despite Murray’s mobility, the Cardinals’ line has struggled with allowing sacks. In contrast, the 49ers’ line has performed admirably, providing Purdy with a cleaner pocket. San Francisco excels in run blocking, while Arizona's line showcases some strengths in pass protection—an intriguing dynamic that could affect game flow.

Advantage: 49ers

As the countdown to kickoff continues, the biggest question remains: Can the Cardinals pull off an upset, or will the 49ers demonstrate their dominance in this NFC West rivalry? Expect drama, precision, and perhaps some unexpected twists this Sunday!