San Francisco 49ers vs. Arizona Cardinals: Coverage, Game Time and More

The San Francisco 49ers have already wrapped up the NFC West, but can't overlook the Arizona Cardinals this week.

The team in the desert knocked off the Dallas Cowboys last week in overtime. They continue to be an up-and-down roller coaster and danger to superior teams.

Meanwhile, the San Francisco 49ers clinched the division with a shutout of the St. Louis Rams last week.

They're unlikely to chase down the undefeated Green Bay Packers, but they do have the New Orleans Saints breathing down their neck for the No. 2 seed.

The 49ers don't usually blow teams out and the Cardinals won't roll over either.

Where: University of Phoenix Stadium; Phoenix, Arizona

When: Sunday, December 11 at 4:05 p.m. EST

Watch: FOX  DirecTV 714.

Listen: 49ers - KNBR/BONE, Sirius 92. Cardinals - KTAR 620AM, Sirius 139.

Betting Line: 49ers -4

What's At Stake?

The No. 2 lead. The 49ers hold a one-game lead over the high-scoring New Orleans Saints. Drew Brees and company are on the road this week against the Tennessee Titans in a game they could actually lose.

San Francisco 49ers cannot afford to take their foot off the gas right now.

49ers' Injury Report

Patrick Willis, ILB - Questionable (Hamstring)

Braylon Edwards, WR - Questionable (Knee)

Cardinals' Injury Report

Todd Heap, TE - Questionable (Hamstring)

Fantasy Start 'Em, Sit 'Em, Sleeper

Fantasy Start 'Em: Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Cardinals

The 49ers will shut down the run game, but they're middle of the road (statistically) against the pass. Fitzgerald will be targeted frequently with Kolb under center.

Fantasy Sit 'Em: Beanie Wells, RB, Cardinals

Again, the 49ers will shut down the run game.

Sleeper: Michael Crabtree, WR, 49ers

He's in the midst of a little "hotstreak" right now and caught 17 balls in the last three games.

What They're Saying

The San Francisco Chronicle writes about the 49ers odd wide receiver situation:

"

But what about Braylon Edwards?

Lost amid questions about Willis’ injury on Monday was the status of the Niners’ banged-up wideout. Edwards did not practice last week and sat out a 26-0 win against the Rams in an effort to fully recover from knee and shoulder injuries.

Edwards wants to get healthy for the postseason, but he’s also acknowledged the need to establish a better rapport with quarterback Alex Smith. Exhibit A: Smith’s ugly end-zone interception, intended for Edwards, on Thanksgiving in Baltimore.

With four regular-season games remaining, there is still time for Smith and Edwards to get on the same page. But they’d better hurry, if Smith’s slow-to-develop chemistry with once-hobbled wideout Michael Crabtree provides an accurate parallel.

"

The Arizona Republic writes about running back Beanie Wells, his injury woes and his maturation as an injury prone player:

"

Cardinals running back Beanie Wells won't say what's wrong with his right knee, just that it pains him, swells occasionally, and he doesn't like the brace he began wearing three games ago.

Wells is too nice of a guy to make you talk to the hand, either. Even if he wanted to, he would extend the right one, because he might be wearing a brace on the left wrist for some undisclosed reason.

"I'm fine," Wells said when asked about it after Sunday's victory over the Cowboys.

That, or some variation of it, has been Wells' standard answer this year when asked about his health.

Wells is not fine, but he's playing. For that, he's being credited for his maturation and toughness.

"

49ers Player to Watch: NaVorro Bowman, LB

Patrick Willis is the 49ers' best player, but he was injured last week in their win over the Rams. Bowman is actually the team's leading tackler. He will be instrumental in their effort should Willis not play.

He has recorded 109 total tackles in the season, as most offenses do their best to block Willis. Now Bowman will be their focus. 

Cardinals Player to Watch: Kevin Kolb, QB

The Cardinals' franchise quarterback has been on the bench for three of the Cardinals' five wins this season because of injury.

This team may have made a mistake with Kolb, but they need to see exactly what he can do. This is a big game for him after recording a win last week against the Cowboys.

Key Matchup: Cardinals offensive line vs. 49ers front seven

The 49ers aren't an overly dominant pass rush, but the Cardinals have given up the second-most sacks in the league this year.

Kevin Kolb has been beaten up every time he's on the field. It will happen again this week if the Cardinals can't run the football at all.

On the Hot Seat: Ken Whisenhunt, Cardinals

He's doing just enough to hang on. He could actually turn in a winning season here. But if they bomb out, or more importantly, Kolb bombs out, it could be trouble.

Prediction: 49ers 27, Cardinals 14