By admin 
San Francisco aims to finish strong, but draft positioning looms large
The 2024 season concludes with the San Francisco 49ers facing the Arizona Cardinals in a game that marks the end of a playoff-less year. For the first time since 2020, the 49ers won’t advance to the postseason, making this finale about securing better draft positioning—win, and they pick 14th, lose, and it’s 11th.
San Francisco is dealing with several injuries, including the absence of quarterback Brock Purdy, wide receiver Deebo Samuel, and cornerback Deommodore Lenoir. Arizona is also shorthanded, missing starting tackles and running back James Conner. Despite these challenges, tight end George Kittle is expected to play, and receiver Ricky Pearsall should get more targets in Samuel’s absence.
With the season winding down, individual milestones are in focus. Jauan Jennings is just 77 yards shy of 1,000 receiving yards for the season, and Kittle could make history by recording three consecutive 100-yard receiving games, a feat not seen since Jerry Rice in 1995.
On offense, the 49ers will rely on Josh Dobbs, who’ll have more time to throw against Arizona’s weak pass rush. Meanwhile, Isaac Guerendo may thrive against the Cardinals’ 23rd-ranked run defense. Arizona will have its own challenges with backup running back Michael Carter and a banged-up offensive line, making it harder for Kyler Murray to stay protected in the pocket.
Defensively, the 49ers will need to contain Murray, whose mobility could exploit their defensive line. Without the playoff pressure, San Francisco’s focus will shift to the draft, but the game’s outcome could determine whether they land a pick at 11 or 14. Ultimately, Arizona’s offense may prove too much, and the 49ers’ season could end with another loss.