Dissecting Best Individual Matchups to Watch in 49ers' Week 3 Action

The San Francisco 49ers (1-1) will march into the desert to face the division-leading Arizona Cardinals (2-0). From the look of the standings, every NFC West team is at 1-1 to start the season, which tells you all you need to know about this division.

This dance between the 49ers and Cardinals will be the first NFC West divisional bout of the early season. Expect fireworks, especially when it involves two teams who know each other very well. 

Remember last season? The 49ers and Cardinals played two closely contested games. While the margin of victory in Week 6 of last season was 11 points, the game was far closer than the score indicated. The same can be said for the Week 17 matchup between both squads, though the margin was only three points. 

Now, it won't be so easy for the 49ers to repeat their stellar 5-1 divisional record from last season. It all starts with matchups, and boy do we have a few good ones to highlight. 

Let's take a look at three tantalizing matchups ahead of Sunday's divisional matchup between the 49ers and Cardinals!

Michael Crabtree (WR) vs. Patrick Peterson (CB)

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Outside of his battles with Richard Sherman, the Crabtree and Peterson matchup is the next best thing. We have a top-of-the-line cornerback versus one of the more underrated receivers in the league.

In previous matchups, Crabtree has surprisingly outplayed Peterson. While Peterson is most certainly a top-three player at his position, he can struggle against excellent route-runners. Trust me, Crabtree, along with the San Diego Chargers' Keenan Allen, is one of the best route-runners in the NFL. 

Let's take a look at Crabtree's performance against the Cardinals the last two seasons.  

Date	Catches	Yards	Touchdowns
10/29/2012	5	72	2
12/30/2012	8	172	2
10/13/2013	DNP	DNP	DNP
12/29/2013	3	29	0

It's quite obvious that 2012 was Crabtree's best year against the Cardinals, though we also can't really assume Peterson has figured Crabtree out, especially since the former Texas Tech receiver wasn't 100 percent healthy in his late-season return against the Cardinals in December 2013. 

That's what makes this upcoming matchup one to watch. We have a healthy Crabtree facing a much-improved lockdown cornerback in Peterson. 

Get your popcorn ready, folks!

Daniel Kilgore (C) vs. Dan Williams (NT)

Many were probably expecting a matchup featuring tight end Vernon Davis and either Cardinals linebacker Kevin Minter or Larry Foote. Why would such a matchup be of interest?

Well, when you consider the Cardinals' ineptitude defending tight ends and the explosiveness of Vernon Davis, why not? However, with Vernon Davis hobbled, the prospect of him playing well this Sunday on a bum ankle is pretty slim. That's if Davis plays at all. 

Instead, let's focus our attention in the trenches. Forget the flashy guys; I want to talk about two bulls in Kilgore and Williams. 

As we all know, Kilgore has replaced veteran center Jonathan Goodwin along the 49ers offensive line. So far so good for the four-year veteran out of Appalachian State. 

Kilgore hasn't missed a beat in replacing Goodwin's production. However, he will face a big test this Sunday against the stout Cardinals nose tackle, Williams.  

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If Kilgore can hold his own against Williams, the 49ers could have a ton of success pounding the rock with Frank Gore and rookie Carlos Hyde. The Cardinals have been one of the best run-stuffing units the last two seasons, and it all starts with the big fella at nose. 

You contain Williams, and we could see legitimate sparks from this 49ers offense in Week 3. 

Chris Culliver (CB) vs. Michael Floyd (WR)

Another matchup that should catch your eye is the Culliver and Floyd battle on the outside. A few years ago, Larry Fitzgerald would be a lock to make this list, but with Floyd emerging, the future Hall of Fame receiver will have to take a backseat. 

Trust me, folks; Floyd is that good.  

Fitzgerald tore up the 49ers secondary in 2013 to the tune of 12 catches for 230 receiving yards. We could see Floyd have the same success against this shaky 49ers secondary. 

In all likelihood, the 49ers will turn to Culliver to slow down Floyd. Tramaine Brock, who didn't play in the 49ers loss to the Chicago Bears last Sunday night, should make his return against the Cardinals. If he does return, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio will likely ask Brock to shadow Fitzgerald for the afternoon.

Culliver is a physically gifted corner who can matchup with bigger receivers. Floyd, who stands at 6'3'' 225 pounds, definitely fits the image of a big-bodied receiver. While talented, Culliver will have a tough test against Floyd, especially when the Cardinals start stretching the field.

As many 49ers fans can attest, Culliver is very susceptible to double-moves. Against a deep threat like Floyd, one mistake could mean six points for the Cardinals offense. 

Rookie Matchup to Watch 

Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press

Jimmie Ward (CB) vs. John Brown (WR)

The last time we saw Ward was Sunday night, and the sight wasn't pretty. All I can remember from that night is Brandon Marshall abusing the smaller Ward in the slot.

Look, not many corners are going to win against Marshall in the slot. Considering Marshall's 6'4'' frame and Ward's wiry 5'10'' physique, did you expect Ward to dominate that matchup? 

Now, I think highly of Ward and his potential as a combo safety/corner; however, the 49ers should rethink their strategy the moment opposing teams decide to stick receivers with significant height advantages in the slot.  

Can you imagine Ward matching up against Calvin "Megatron" Johnson in the slot? More and more teams are putting their big receivers in the slot to take advantage of certain matchups. 

Luckily for the 49ers, they shouldn't see too much of this against the Cardinals this week. Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians has been known to line up Fitzgerald at different receiver positions, but expect to see rookie John Brown in the slot for the most part on Sunday. 

Brown, who stands in at a measly 5'10'', will be a perfect test for Ward after last Sunday's disappointing performance. Ward excels against shifty and explosive space players like Brown. 

There's a reason the 49ers drafted for a versatile player like Ward. In this tough division, the 49ers will face the likes of Percy Harvin, Tavon Austin and the talented Brown. 

On the road and in a hostile environment, we'll get to see if Ward is ready to be a huge factor in the 49ers secondary.