The Arizona Cardinals enter their season finale against the San Francisco 49ers with a 7-8 record, seeking to achieve a .500 finish under first-year head coach Jonathan Gannon. This game represents an opportunity for the Cardinals to showcase the progress made throughout the season and to set a positive tone heading into the offseason. Quarterback Kyler Murray has been the linchpin of Arizona’s offense, demonstrating his dual-threat capabilities by accumulating over 3,500 passing yards and 600 rushing yards this season. Murray’s ability to extend plays with his legs and make accurate throws on the move has been instrumental in the Cardinals’ offensive production. However, turnovers and occasional lapses in decision-making have been areas identified for improvement. The receiving corps, led by Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, has provided Murray with reliable targets. Brown’s speed and route-running have enabled him to amass over 1,000 receiving yards, posing a consistent deep threat to opposing defenses. Complementing Brown, rookie wideout Rondale Moore has emerged as a versatile playmaker, contributing both in the slot and on special teams. Running back James Conner has been a workhorse in the backfield, surpassing 900 rushing yards and contributing 10 touchdowns. Conner’s physical running style has been effective in short-yardage and goal-line situations, providing balance to the offense. The offensive line, while dealing with injuries, has shown resilience, with veteran center Rodney Hudson anchoring the unit and providing leadership. Improving consistency in pass protection and run blocking will be a priority for the Cardinals as they face a 49ers defense featuring one of the league’s top pass rushers in Nick Bosa. Defensively, the Cardinals have experienced mixed results throughout the season. Linebacker Isaiah Simmons has been a standout, demonstrating his versatility by excelling in both coverage and run support. However, the unit as a whole has struggled, particularly in defending the pass. The secondary has been vulnerable to big plays, often giving up chunks of yardage in critical situations. The pass rush, while occasionally effective, has lacked consistency, putting additional pressure on the defensive backs. Special teams have been a reliable component for the Cardinals, with veteran kicker Matt Prater continuing to deliver in high-pressure situations. Punter Andy Lee has been effective in pinning opponents deep, contributing to favorable field position battles. The return game, led by Rondale Moore, has also provided occasional sparks, giving the offense advantageous starting positions. Head coach Jonathan Gannon has emphasized the importance of finishing the season strong, highlighting the team’s progress and setting the stage for continued growth. Gannon’s focus on discipline and effort has been evident throughout the season, and this game provides an opportunity to reinforce those principles. Keys to victory for the Cardinals include leveraging Kyler Murray’s mobility and playmaking ability to exploit the 49ers’ defensive vulnerabilities, establishing James Conner in the running game to control the clock, and improving defensive execution to limit San Francisco’s scoring opportunities. Special teams will also play a critical role, with clean execution needed to capitalize on field position advantages and scoring chances. For the Cardinals, a victory in this matchup would not only secure a .500 record but also demonstrate the progress made under Gannon’s leadership. It would provide a sense of optimism for the future and a strong foundation for continued improvement in the 2025 season. Playing in front of their home crowd at State Farm Stadium, the Cardinals have the opportunity to end their season on a positive note against a division rival.