By A to Z Sports,Rob Gregson

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The NFC West looks like the best division in football right now. With three undefeated teams via the Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers, and Arizona Cardinals, this division could be in store for some major fireworks down the stretch. But at least one team will leave Week 3 no longer being perfect, as the 49ers and Cardinals face off. Here is what our staff believes will happen when the two sides kick off.

Cardinals 20, 49ers 15

Whether Brock Purdy plays or not, I think the early-season gold rush comes to a hault in the Bay. Kyler Murray has been electric. I think Robert Saleh and his defense will have answers, but I expect Jonathan Gannon and the Cardinals to be proactive in slowing down that famous 49ers rushing attack.

A defensive battle that is close throughout, I like Kyler to make the game-changing play more than Mac Jones or a banged-up Purdy, so I’m giving the edge to Arizona in this one. – Rob Gregson, A to Z Sports Pittsburgh

49ers 20, Cardinals 17

“This one is tough to predict. Brock Purdy is practicing but clearly a bit hobbled due to multiple injuries. Meanwhile, Arizona has done just enough to get to 2-0 against a couple non-playoff teams in the Panthers and Saints. I think the SF defense will give Kyler Murray some fits, and the 49ers find a way to win a gritty NFC West showdown early in the season.”- Adam Holt, A to Z Sports

49ers 22, Cardinals 20

“Arizona and San Francisco will ensure that the list of unbeatens whittles by one this weekend. Arizona was opportunistic in facing a banged up 49ers team last year, scoring wins in both head to head matchups. They’ll look to do so again this year and their key to doing so lies in getting the run game cooking. Arizona’s offense ranks just 20th in the NFL in rush attempts through the first two weeks and I’d expect to see a heavy dosage of running the ball against a 49ers front that was notably poor against the run last year and now features several young pieces.”

“The Cardinals may be able to feast on the 49ers’ given the bumps and bruises, but there’s something about the home team with who I perceive to be the better coach that is hard to shake. Whether Brock Purdy miraculously is able to go or not, my gut tells me the 49ers will overcome what appears to be some big mismatches due to the stats through the first two weeks.”- Kyle Crabbs, A to Z Sports NFL

49ers 20, Cardinals 17

“This is quietly a huge game for the Cardinals. Not a lot of people are taking them seriously as a 2-0 team, and for good reason. Arizona has faced two of the worst teams in the NFL in the Saints and Panthers to start the season, and has yet to prove it can hang with good teams. The 49ers are beat up, but still have a solid defense and playmakers on offense such as running back Christian McCaffrey and Jauan Jennings. QB Brock Purdy could return to play in this game, but even if he doesn’t, Mac Jones played very well last week. I’m taking San Francisco to take care of business at home.”- Nick Roesch, A to Z Sports Kansas City

Cardinals 20, 49ers 16

“A battle of 2-0 NFC West is a fun way for the Cardinals to begin division play. And the 49ers will look to pick up their second divisional win. While both are undefeated to start the year, neither has come close to playing its best football. The 49ers have already been hit hard by injuries and will be down multiple key starters for this game. I think Kyler Murray and the Cardinals offense will be able to take advantage of this and come out with a big road divisional win to move to 3-0.”- Destin Adams, A to Z Sports Indianapolis

Final Prediction for 49ers vs. Cardinals

Our staff has the 49ers coming out on top in this one on aggregate. A tight divisional game between two undefeated teams should be fun. The 49ers’ injuries could overwhelm them, but the team has championship pedigree they could rely on to outmatch the Cardinals.