Arizona Cardinals meet 49ers in Super Bowl impact game of the week
Super Bowl impact game:
Week 3
Every week is important in the NFL. Our azcentral sports NFL writer Bob McManaman takes a look at a signature game that could alter the matchups in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium on Feb. 1:
49ERS AT CARDINALS
If the 49ers are able to continue tradition and take it to the Cardinals, whom they've defeated nine out of the past 10 tries, they're right back in the thick of things in the ultra-competitive NFC West.
But imagine if the Cardinals pull off the upset at home, where they will take the field as three-point underdogs.
An Arizona win would push the Cardinals' record to 3-0, give them a solid two-game lead over San Francisco, and hey, it could be even bigger. If the Cardinals find a way to win and the Broncos also manage to knock off the Seahawks in Seattle in their rematch of Super Bowl XLVIII, the Cardinals would have a two-game lead over the defending champions, too.
Plus, both the Cardinals and the Broncos would be undefeated entering their off week and everyone will be watching when those two teams square off at Sports Authority Field at Mile High two Sundays from now.
"Trust me, we know what's at stake," Cardinals outside linebacker Sam Acho said. "But it's not 'if' we beat the 49ers, it's 'when.' "
It's exactly that kind of swagger and confidence the Cardinals need to be a real contender. Coach Bruce Arians instilled that in his team last season and never was it more evident than when he took his team to Seattle late in the year and Arizona stunned the Seahawks 17-10.
The Cardinals now know how to bring the fight to a very good team.
Yes, they will be without starting quarterback Carson Palmer for a second consecutive week because of that troublesome nerve issue in his passing shoulder. But backup Drew Stanton didn't make any big mistakes in last Sunday's road win at the Giants and another full week of practice with the first-team offense should help make him even sharper.
Regardless of the quarterback situation, the Cardinals already have the respect of 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh.
"Very good football team," he said on a conference call. "They've earned 2-0 and I'm not surprised a bit. That's a very formidable squad."
If the 49ers win, they'll be able to shake off last week's loss to the Bears in which they turned the ball over four times and committed 16 penalties. They'll be back on track as if nothing bad ever happened.
If the Cardinals win, there's no telling how big it will be perceived around the NFL. There's no doubt how big it will be around here, though.
Super matchup
Every Sunday we offer two picks to reach Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium on Feb. 1, plus a quick look at the trending teams:
TOP NFC TEAM
Philadelphia Eagles: In my mind, the Packers are still the team I see getting to Glendale, but let's give the Eagles due credit. They're averaging a league-high 32 points and 439 yards a game. And they should improve to 3-0 after playing host to Washington today.
TOP AFC TEAM
Denver Broncos: Cincinnati, Houston and Buffalo are all 2-0 just like the Broncos, but let's be honest: Denver is the cream of the AFC crop and that probably doesn't change even if they lose on the road today in Seattle. For the record, I think the Broncos will win this Super Bowl rematch.
Spinning up
1. Cardinals: They're the first team since the 1982 Packers to start 2-0 after trailing entering the fourth quarter in both games and not allowing a single fourth-quarter point.
2. Chargers: Beating the Seahawks reconfirmed the fact that San Diego shouldn't be considered just an also-ran to the Broncos in the AFC West.
3. Redskins: Now that Kirk Cousins is leading the offense, Washington could be a nice sleeper pick. You know, until they lose to the Eagles.
Spiraling down
1. Saints: Rob Ryan's defense looks atrocious. So does that 0-2 start for a team expected to run away with the NFC South.
2. Colts: As good as Andrew Luck is, these guys can't keep allowing 409.5 yards per game. It's why they're 0-2.
3. Vikings: Without Adrian Peterson, the Vikings don't have a chance — and they didn't have much of one anyway.