San Francisco 49ers: 5 Toughest Games in 2015

Sep 29, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback

(21) reacts and is congratulated by teammates after he intercepted the ball during the fourth quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Arizona Cardinals defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

1. Week 3 @ Arizona Cardinals

No disrespect to Russell Wilson or Richard Sherman, but there’s another bird based team in the NFC West that poses a bigger threat to the 49ers — the Cardinals.

Not only are the Cardinals a better team this year, they, just as the other great, competitive teams in the division, are stacked with a full defense and an improved offensive line. Recently extended quarterback Carson Palmer is coming back from a gruesome injury, and still has a full fleet of offensive options around him.

Led by a ferocious secondary, whose anchor is the only player confident enough to take on Seattle’s Richard Sherman in Patrick Peterson, the Cards hit hard, and make athletic plays all game long. Arizona also has a recent history of roaring out of the gates, so facing them on their turf so early will be tough.

This game will be played a week after the 49ers travel cross country to Pittsburgh and take on the recently offensive minded Steelers, racking up their frequent flyer miles for sure. This means they will likely be tired after such a long trip. It’s not like they will be as refreshed as if they had taken a trip to say, Seattle or San Diego.

Between a dogged defense and their own jet setting schedule, the San Francisco 49ers will be facing a monstrous challenge of a game in Arizona.

Next: Will the 49ers Focus More On Offense or Defense in 2015?