Cardinals vs. 49ers: Complete Week 17 Preview for San Francisco

Week 17 may well be the final game for the San Francisco 49ers under the Jim Harbaugh era.

Reports speculate that the head coach will be dismissed no more than 48 hours after the game's conclusion. Wherever Harbaugh ends up is up for debate, but the fact remains that there is a game to be played on Sunday.

San Francisco hosts the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday in a game that airs at 4:25 p.m. ET on Fox. The 49ers are seven-point favorites, according to Odds Shark. But at 7-8, San Francisco has nothing to play for in Week 17's contest other than finishing a lackluster, turbulent season on a positive note.

For the Cardinals, a win over the 49ers could have significant implications on the NFC playoff picture. At 11-4, Arizona is sitting with the No. 6 seed. Should the No. 1-seeded Seattle Seahawks lose to the St. Louis Rams and the Cardinals beat San Francisco, the NFC West division crown would be reversed.

So this contest does mean something for Arizona.

Knocking off the Cardinals will have to be done in the wake of all the off-field distractions and additional injuries that have plagued the 49ers in recent weeks.

While San Francisco is coming off an embarrassing 38-35 overtime loss to the San Diego Chargers a week ago, Arizona is also limping into this contest. The Cardinals endured a 35-6 drubbing at the hands of the Seahawks on Sunday Night Football.

A Cardinals team also beset by injuries has lost three out of its last five contests. The once-vaunted defense now ranks No. 24 in the NFL with 5,496 yards allowed, and the offense has failed to generate more than 20 points since Week 10.

Could this provide the 49ers with one last opportunity to put a stamp on the disappointing season?

49ers' Week 16 Recap

A 28-7 lead after halftime was not enough for the 49ers to secure their eighth victory of the season. San Diego subsequently outscored San Francisco 28-7 in the second half. An overtime fumble by wide receiver Quinton Patton led to the game-winning field goal for the Chargers.

That story has been repeated all season long. The 49ers have had some strong first halves, only to see various leads evaporate in the third and fourth quarter. Consistent play has been an issue on offense.

But the 49ers did enjoy some positives throughout this game.

Running back Frank Gore was among those who gave a 100 percent effort. He finished the night with 158 rushing yards on 26 attempts. Highlighting this effort was a 52-yard touchdown run on the 49ers' first offensive drive.

A free agent next season, the 31-year-old Gore has proved that he isn't ready to call it a career.

"

#49ers QB @Kaepernick7 on Frank Gore: "I don't see him slowing down. He's proven his point." http://t.co/2vaYDC3VeS pic.twitter.com/Sg2VGsfoAV

— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) December 24, 2014"

Gore is 38 yards away from reaching 1,000 rushing yards on the season. It would be the eighth time in his storied career that he has accomplished this milestone.

But quarterback Colin Kaepernick also showcased his rushing abilities. The 27-year-old signal-caller broke off a 90-yard touchdown run—San Francisco's lone second-half score. Yet his passing woes continued, especially in the later stages of the game.

Kaepernick finished the night with just 114 passing yards and one passing touchdown.

That TD pass found its way to rookie wideout Bruce Ellington—one of two he posted during the contest.

"

Colin Kaepernick to Bruce Ellington for 8 Yrds and the TOUCHDOWN https://t.co/RzOH7ts4pq

— 49ersSpin (@49ersSpin) December 21, 2014"

Unfortunately, Ellington came out of the game with a hamstring injury. It was one of many injuries the 49ers suffered over the course of the game.

Safety Eric Reid suffered a first-quarter concussion. Offensive linemen Marcus Martin, Alex Boone and Mike Iupati all came out for various injuries before returning to action.

Injuries, as have been the case all season, played a major role in the loss, but they don't explain everything. Despite a defense that forced three interceptions from quarterback Philip Rivers, San Francisco could not hold the line down the stretch.

It was a painful loss that reflected much of what has gone wrong with the 49ers in 2014.

News and Notes

Head coach Jim Harbaugh's future after 2014 will ultimately highlight the 49ers offseason shortly after their last contest of the year.

But Harbaugh's seemingly inevitable departure is only a part of the myriad storylines that have followed San Francisco in recent weeks. As a whole, this team is showing significant cracks all around. From defensive end Ray McDonald's release a week ago to the futures of various 49ers free agents, the saga of San Francisco's 2014 campaign won't end once the clock reaches zero.

Jim Harbaugh's Release to Occur Sooner than Later

Jay Glazer of Fox Sports reported that Harbaugh would be removed from duty no more than 48 hours following Sunday's contest.

The report culminates a season-long story that started when news was leaked of the 49ers' interest in potentially trading Harbaugh to the Cleveland Browns prior to 2014. Since then, widespread speculation has dominated almost every story surrounding the head coach.

Yet there are those who feel as if Harbaugh's dismissal is not in the 49ers' best interests.

One of these people is Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians, who relayed his feelings via Matt Barrows of The Sacramento Bee:

"

It’s very shocking to me. Jimmy’s done an unbelievable job. The fact that one bad season shouldn’t deter from what they’ve built there. And I think they have had pretty much everything you want culture-wise in place there. And the wins and losses speak for themselves.

"

"

Can't believe Jim Harbaugh is being ushered toward the door? Bruce Arians is right there with you ..#49ers #Cardinals http://t.co/4yBYzph4Of

— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) December 24, 2014"

Like it or not, Sunday's game will probably be the final contest for Harbaugh with San Francisco. It is a sad ending to what otherwise has been a storied tenure.

Michael Crabtree's Future

Like Harbaugh, wide receiver Michael Crabtree could be playing in his final game with the 49ers on Sunday.

Crabtree is a free agent after this season—one that has been marked by disappointment. The 27-year-old veteran has just 64 catches for 657 yards, which does not prompt the thought that San Francisco would be wise to re-sign him for 2015.

The price tag likely means Crabtree will elsewhere next season. And it appears as if he is willing to move on. When asked about whether he wants to be back, Crabtree responded via Eric Branch of SFGate.com (h/t Larry Hartstein of CBS Sports), "I don't even want to talk about it."

"

Free-agent WR Michael Crabtree on if he wants to return to #49ers: “It depends. I don’t even want to talk about it.”

— Eric Branch (@Eric_Branch) December 24, 2014"

Crabtree barely saw the field against San Diego last week. It's possible that the 49ers place more emphasis on younger wideouts Bruce Ellington and Quinton Patton in Week 17 with thoughts toward their respective roles in 2015.

Frank Gore's Future

Another longtime 49ers player who may be seeing his last day with San Francisco is 31-year-old running back Frank Gore. 

Gore doesn't want to retire after the season, and the all-time franchise rushing leader has plenty of support within the organization to return to San Francisco in 2015.

“[Gore] understands what he means to this organization,” general manager Trent Baalke said via Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area. “He would certainly like to be back, and we would certainly like to have him back. 

The veteran also has stressed his desire to return:

"

Frank Gore says he has had this sweatshirt all 10 years with #49ers. pic.twitter.com/qACoVy6Odx

— Janie McCauley (@JanieMcCAP) December 24, 2014"

But the business of football can't be stressed enough. In the meantime, fans should watch on as Gore's legacy continues.

Aldon Smith's Involvement in the Ray McDonald Case

Linebacker Aldon Smith was with former 49ers defensive end Ray McDonald on the night when McDonald was allegedly involved in a sexual assault case.

The police investigation revealed the consumption of alcohol between McDonald, Smith and the victim, per Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com.

Smith denied any consumption, according to Gutierrez. If the report is true, the action would be in violation of Smith's probation for his previous off-the-field incidents that transpired last offseason.

Young Players to Start?

Since Week 17 means little to the 49ers, the team may roll out a lineup that focuses more on the development of backups and role players.

Injuries play a significant role in this potential decision. Players like safety Eric Reid, cornerback Perrish Cox, linebacker Ahmad Brooks and Smith are among those whose concerns prompt potential decisions from the front office.

There is also the desire to prevent further injuries to linchpin players whose roles are expected to be significant in 2015.

As such, it wouldn't be surprising to see some second- and third-string players in larger roles on Sunday.

Jerrell Richardson of CBS San Francisco speculates that this contest will feature plenty of backups, both for Arizona and San Francisco. Both teams have been decimated by significant injury.

Players like defensive end Tank Carradine, cornerback Dontae Johnson and tight end Asante Cleveland could see an increase in snaps based solely on the need for depth. Plus, it will give the 49ers a chance to evaluate their respective futures next season.

Injury Report

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Wide receiver Bruce Ellington is one of numerous 49ers listed on the Week 17 injury report.

• Bruce Ellington, RB: Questionable (hamstring)
• Leon McFadden, CB: Questionable (hip)
• Michael Crabtree, WR: Questionable (knee)
• Carlos Hyde, RB: Questionable (ankle/back)
• Tramaine Brock, CB: Questionable (hamstring)
• Perrish Cox, CB: Questionable (shoulder)
• Brandon Lloyd, WR: Questionable (groin)
• Eric Reid, S: Questionable (concussion)
• Ahmad Brooks, LB: Questionable (thumb)
• Stevie Johnson, WR: Questionable (knee)

Injuries have already played a substantial role in the 49ers' 2014 season. They will again as San Francisco hosts Arizona.

Wideout Bruce Ellington had two touchdowns prior to his hamstring injury. With doubts surrounding pending free-agent receivers Michael Crabtree and Brandon Lloyd, the 49ers would ideally like to see what the former South Carolina Gamecock can do in an increased role.

Crabtree and Lloyd are both listed on the report, so their playing time could be limited even if they are active.

No. 2 running back Carlos Hyde continues to deal with an ankle and back injury suffered in Week 15. If he is unable to go, Alfonso Smith will figure to get the majority of carries behind Frank Gore.

The biggest questions will face San Francisco's secondary—a unit much depleted by attrition this season.

Safety Eric Reid suffered his third concussion in two seasons. Per Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News, Reid visited a neurologist on Tuesday. He'll have to pass the NFL's protocols regarding head injuries before returning to action.

It's also possible the 49ers elect to keep him out of service for the duration of the season. Backup safety Craig Dahl—who has struggled in coverage—would likely replace him.

The injuries to cornerbacks Tramaine Brock, Perrish Cox and Leon McFadden also thin out the defensive backfield. Brock's listing on the injury report is nothing new, but Cox's absence could spell some depth problems.

Per defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, Cox and linebacker Ahmad Brooks are questionable heading into Week 17:

"

Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said that CB @pcox16 and LB Ahmad Brooks are "questionable" at this point with injuries.

— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) December 23, 2014"

Incumbent and potential injuries may force the 49ers to give more snaps to backups and role players against Arizona. 

X-Factor and Matchups to Watch

A depleted 49ers squad and an essentially meaningless game could open up the door for other players to step up into more prominent roles.

These featured matchups will dictate the flow, and outcome, of Sunday's contest between San Francisco and Arizona.

The Cardinals figure to be desperate as they look to increase their chances of climbing up the postseason seeding. Even though injuries have largely derailed their offensive prowess, a number of critical players could impact what Arizona does in trying to score against a thin San Francisco defense.

Nick Moody vs. Kerwynn Williams

The season-ending injury to running back Andre Ellington has opened up the door for 23-year-old back Kerwynn Williams. He is averaging 5.0 yards per carry and has taken over the No. 1 role from Stepfan Taylor.

The job of tackling opposing runners had fallen upon standout rookie linebacker Chris Borland. With Borland on injured reserve with an ankle injury, backup linebacker Nick Moody will handle primary assignments versus Arizona's running back.

Moody has had some decent moments, but his efforts are clearly a step down from those of Borland.

Stopping the run will be an essential part of San Francisco's defensive game plan.

Antoine Bethea vs. Ryan Lindley

Rookie quarterback Logan Thomas was initially slated to make his first NFL start against the 49ers, per AZCardinals.com—marking the fourth quarterback the Cardinals have used in 2014.

"

#AZCardinals QB @Lthomas_3 preps for his first @nfl start. @Cardschatter's STORY: http://t.co/x2lCwNSTFx #AZvsSF pic.twitter.com/aNpCH5fjBd

— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) December 24, 2014"

Thomas has just one completion on nine attempts over two games this season. But head coach Bruce Arians changed his mind, per Kent Somers of AZCentral.com (h/t Larry Hartstein of CBS Sports). Quarterback Ryan Lindley will get the start over Thomas.

Lindley has zero passing touchdowns against eight interceptions over his three-year career. He owns a 46.9 quarterback rating over that span.

This plays right into the hands of veteran safety Antoine Bethea, who ranks second on the team with four interceptions.

Aaron Lynch vs. Bobby Massie

Pressuring Lindley will fall largely upon San Francisco's outside linebackers Aldon Smith and Aaron Lynch. But with the potential of rest for 49ers veterans, a bulk of pass-rushing work could fall upon the rookie Lynch.

Lynch will be working against right tackle Bobby Massie, who holds a significant size advantage—316 pounds to 270. Yet Lynch will benefit from the prowess displayed in his first pro season. He is tied for second on the 49ers with five sacks and will look to add more against a Cardinals team that has allowed just 26 on the year.

"

#49ers Fangio says OLB Aaron Lynch is 'fine' should play on Sunday.

— Ryan Sakamoto (@SakamotoRyan) December 23, 2014"

Creating pressure elsewhere should give Lynch some help. This will be contingent on whether the 49ers choose to rest starters like Justin Smith and Aldon Smith. 

Dontae Johnson vs. Michael Floyd

Cornerback Chris Culliver will likely be assigned to Cardinals veteran wideout Larry Fitzgerald through much of the contest. A banged-up Perrish Cox in the slot will cover rookie wideout John Brown, who hurt the 49ers back in Week 3.

But the biggest impact could be felt between the matchup of rookie cornerback Dontae Johnson versus wideout Michael Floyd.

Floyd is an explosive playmaker who leads the team with an average of 17.6 yards per reception. He has 688 yards on 39 receptions.

Expect Lindley and the Cardinals offense to target the rookie as often as possible. Johnson has had some problems, as first-year defensive backs often do, but he has also flashed signs of brilliance.

"

Dontae Johnson is going to be a Pro Bowler.

— Vincent Frank (@VincentFrankNFL) December 21, 2014"

Playing into Johnson's favor will be the fact that a perennial backup will be throwing the ball toward Arizona's receivers. That's a far cry from being challenged by quarterback Philip Rivers and the Chargers passing game.

Joe Staley vs. Alex Okafor

Outside linebacker Alex Okafor leads the Cardinals with eight sacks. Opposing him will frequently be the assignment of right tackle Joe Staley.

Staley and the 49ers offensive line will have to contend against an Arizona pass rush that has generated 34 sacks on the year—the same number San Francisco has on the year.

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick has been sacked an astounding 51 times this season, but only one of those came against Arizona in Week 2.

Colin Kaepernick vs. Rashad Johnson

Cardinals interception leader Rashad Johnson will look to increase quarterback Colin Kaepernick's 2014 interception tally in Week 17. 

The 28-year-old safety has picked off four passes on the year and won't have to be overly worried about a deep threat from San Francisco.

A lack of speed has hindered the 49ers' ability to stretch the field, meaning Kaepernick will have to work within tight windows and display his accuracy.

San Francisco's signal-caller is not exactly the most effective at doing this.

An inaccurate pass could wind up in the hands of Johnson, which would give Arizona's defense a burst considering some of the woes with its pass defense this season.

Anquan Boldin/Michael Crabtree vs. Patrick Peterson

Wide receiver Anquan Boldin is probably one veteran who would prefer not to sit out on Sunday. Playing against his former team, the 34-year-old target averages 89.4 yards in four contests against Arizona.

It's also possible that fellow wideout Michael Crabtree has some opportunities to make plays despite being listed as questionable.

Stopping them will be 2015 Pro Bowl selection Patrick Peterson. The 24-year-old cornerback has put together another solid season in which he has seven passes defended, three interceptions and 42 tackles.

"

OC Greg Roman expects WR @KingCrab15 to be ready for #ARIvsSF. "That's been a good battle" between Crabtree and CB Patrick Peterson.

— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) December 23, 2014"

But Crabtree might not see the field as much if the 49ers wish to involve some of their younger receivers. This would likely shift Boldin over to Peterson's side, which makes for an enticing matchup between the physical veteran and the young standout.

49ers' X-Factor of the Week: Frank Gore

With running back Frank Gore just 38 yards away from 1,000 rushing yards on the season, one has to figure the game plan will be to incorporate the veteran's efforts on offense as much as possible. After all, this could be Gore's final game in San Francisco.

"

#49ers RB Frank Gore & WR @AnquanBoldin continue to prove age is just a number. #NinerTalk | http://t.co/mr1V4Rl6cy pic.twitter.com/Wufq6rVtm5

— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) December 24, 2014"

This didn't happen in Week 3 when these two teams met last.

During that contest, Gore had just six carries for 10 yards. But Arizona's rush defense has not showcased the prowess that once led the league a season ago. The Cardinals have given up 1,533 rushing yards this season—already outpacing the 1,351 allowed in 2013.

Gore showcased his agelessness against San Diego a week ago. It's likely the 49ers return to their ground-first attack to simplify the offense on Sunday.

Prediction

Associated Press

Will Sunday be the final time Jim Harbaugh and Bruce Arians shake hands as NFC West rivals?

Head coach Jim Harbaugh will ultimately be the top story surrounding whatever happens with the 49ers and Cardinals on Sunday.

While Arizona looks to improve its playoff standings, all the speculation will come to a head once the game concludes. The 48-hour window will essentially start once the game is over.

The 49ers players have widely stood by Harbaugh's side through all of this drama. The distraction has likely affected them as well.

"

Video: #49ers QB Colin Kaepernick says he "can't wrap my mind around" why Jim Harbaugh's tenure is in doubt http://t.co/lvUlEQ3AcK

— Cam Inman (@CamInman) December 15, 2014"

"

#49ers Frank Gore on Jim Harbaugh: 'He’s my best coach. I didn’t enjoy it here until we started winning. Since he’s been here, I’ve won.'

— Cam Inman (@CamInman) December 24, 2014"

It's feasible, perhaps likely, that the 49ers players give a 100 percent effort in support of their soon-to-be ex-coach. A motivated team can be the final piece that ultimately decides the course of the contest.

But there is an argument that a loss would ultimately benefit San Francisco.

A 7-9 record would give the 49ers a better draft position in 2015. It could also hurt the home-field prospects for San Francisco's hated rivals, the Seahawks (pending a loss to the St. Louis Rams).

Either way, the 49ers may elect to give more snaps to backups and role players instead of starting their first-string units.

Still, the Cardinals are limping into this final regular-season bout after getting off to a strong start. Two wins in a low-scoring five-game stretch—plus their own flurry of injuries—could mean the Cardinals have already peaked.

Will the 49ers take advantage of this?

To do this, San Francisco—especially on offense—will have to play for a full 60 minutes. There cannot be a letdown after the first half, which has been such a frequent factor for the 49ers this year. This means consistent play from quarterback Colin Kaepernick, running back Frank Gore, the O-line and San Francisco's receivers.

The 49ers defense will have to figure out a way to overcome the numerous injuries that have hindered its efforts in recent contests. Fortunately, this unit will have to contend with a Cardinals offense that ranks No. 28 in the league in all-purpose yards (4,719). An unproven quarterback also feeds into the defense's hopes.

A loss would have its benefits, but we should expect the 49ers to display some sort of inspired effort.

It will be their last in what has been a storied era.

Prediction: 49ers 21, Cardinals 17

All statistics, injuries, records and accolades courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated. 

Peter Panacy is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report, covering the San Francisco 49ers. Be sure to check out his entire archive on 49ers' news, insight and analysis.

Follow him @PeterPanacy on Twitter.