The 49ers will look to bounce back in Week 11 as they head into their divisional matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. This is a game that lines up well on paper for San Francisco after last week’s disappointing loss to the Rams.

Arizona will once again be without quarterback Kyler Murray, who remains sidelined, leaving the offense in the hands of Jacoby Brisset. The young signal-caller has shown flashes of athleticism but continues to face the growing pains that come with limited experience and a patchwork supporting cast. Without Murray’s dual-threat ability, the Cardinals’ offense has leaned more heavily on the ground game that has also been inconsistent due to injury. Bam Knight is the starter but MIchael Carter and Trey Benson have started games this season and could potentially start at any time.

At wide receiver, Marvin Harrison Jr. continues to serve as the primary target, with Michael Wilson and Greg Dortch helping stretch the field. Still, this group faces a steep challenge against a 49ers defense looking to reestablish its dominance after a tough outing against Los Angeles. Expect San Francisco’s pass rush, led by Sam Okuayinonu due to the Nick Bosa injury, to try to overwhelm Arizona’s offensive line and make life difficult for Brisset from the opening snap. Defensively, the Cardinals have been scrappy but inconsistent. Linebacker Zaven Collins and safety Budda Baker remain the cornerstones, but the group has struggled to contain explosive plays, something the 49ers’ offense will look to exploit early.

Offensively, the 49ers are positioned well for a rebound performance, they actually played very well against the Rams as well. Mac Jones will look to build off his efficient showing last week, supported by an offensive line anchored by Trent Williams and tight end George Kittle, who’s coming off one of his best games of the season. Brian Robinson Jr. has added physicality to the run game and should have opportunities against an Arizona defense that has struggled to stop the run all year.

San Francisco’s key will be establishing rhythm early and taking advantage of favorable matchups across the board. If the offensive line can protect Jones and the defense tightens up in the middle, the 49ers have every reason to expect a strong bounce-back performance.

This matchup gives the 49ers a prime opportunity to regain momentum in the NFC West race. With more consistency up front and a chance to reset against a rebuilding Cardinals team missing its star quarterback, Sunday’s game feels like the perfect setup for San Francisco to get back on track.