Niners can give themselves a chance against Arizona

Best handicap bet
San Francisco +2.5 v Arizona

With Cleveland enjoying a bye, San Francisco are the only team in action this week who can end their winless season and they have been handed a decent opportunity against Arizona.

It has been a tough opening season for 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan after moving from Atlanta where he was offensive coordinator and while he always professed that the team would be a work in progress this term, he would not have wanted to go into the second half of the campaign without a success to his name.

They have been pounded into the ground by NFC leading lights Dallas and Philadelphia in their last two games when they have mustered just ten points.

Shanahan is keeping faith with rookie quarterback CJ Beathard as former New England back-up Jimmy Garoppolo is not yet up to speed with the playbook after being traded this week, and they should stay close to Arizona.

Read more NFL Week Nine previews and features

Denver at Philadelphia

Kansas City at Dallas

Oakland at Miami

Power rankings

The Cardinals have been up against it since star running back David Johnson was ruled out for the campaign in Week One.

Quarterback Carson Palmer was showing signs of wear and tear even before he broke his arm in their 33-0 loss to the Los Angeles Rams last time out at Twickenham.

His replacement Drew Stanton could struggle - expect veteran running back Adrian Peterson to see plenty of the ball - and this could be another game when the 49ers stay competitive as five of their defeats have come by a margin of three points or fewer.

Best points bet
Over 42 points in Los Angeles Rams at New York Giants

The Rams are turning into a surprise package this season. Quarterback Jared Goff looks a different player to the one who struggled in his rookie campaign, Todd Gurley appears to be one of the league's most dynamic running backs and the defence are rising to the challenge as well.

The should be confident heading east to take on the Giants, who have won just one of their seven games, but this could be a match when a modest points total of 42 is eclipsed.

Only Houston went into Week Nine having posted a higher average number of points than the Rams' 30.3 per game and while the Giants defence has been the least of their problems, they may struggle to keep them at bay.

New York have been beaten up by injuries, most notably to star wide receiver Odell Beckham, but if the offensive line can provide some decent protection to quarterback Eli Manning, they can make their mark.

They scored just seven points against Seattle a fortnight ago, but posted more than 21 in each of their previous four outings.

Best player bet
P Richardson to score a touchdown

The Seattle wide receiver had a great game in the Seahawks' 41-38 win against Houston last week with two touchdowns and 105 receiving yards.

He is a solid option for quarterback Russell Wilson and his brace followed a touchdown in their 24-7 victory over the Giants.

Wilson's offensive line has finally been improved with the trade for Houston tackle Duane Brown, who has impressed in practice this week, and the quarterback should enjoy more time to find his receivers.

Recommendations
San Francisco +2.5
2pts 20-21 general
Over 42 points in LA Rams at NY Giants
1pt 19-20 BoyleSports
P Richardson to score a touchdown
1pt 24-13 Betway

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