San Francisco 49ers (1-1) at Arizona Cardinals (2-0)

Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, at University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Ariz. – TV: FOX

*TV announcers: Thom Brennaman, David Diehl, Laura Okmin

*Keys to the game: The 49ers have burst out of the gates in their first two games, building big leads on the strength of more three- and four-receiver sets. However, the strength of the Cardinals’ defense lies in their secondary. Arizona is allowing just 2.6 yards per carry, but one of those games was against a Giants team with no running game to speak of.

The Cardinals have suffered significant losses along their front seven and the 49ers would be well served to give RB Frank Gore plenty of opportunities to test the belly of the defense.

The Cardinals’ offense is against expected to be steered by career backup Drew Stanton with Carson Palmer still only throwing lightly at midweek. Stanton performed well at the Giants, avoiding turnovers but completing only 48.3 percent of his passes. Arizona enjoys a size advantage outside with WRs Larry Fitzgerald and Malcom Floyd, an area Chicago exploited against San Francisco last week. Goal-line carries are likely to go to second-year back Stepfan Taylor with Jonathan Dwyer deactivated due to his off-field issues.

*Matchup to watch – 49ers RT Jonathan Martin vs. Cardinals DE Calais Campbell: After a quiet season opener on the stat sheet, Campbell dominated the Giants’ front line last week with 10 tackles and a sack. He draws another favorable matchup against Martin, who will likely start for the third consecutive week in place of Anthony Davis (hamstring). Martin was tagged with giving up a pair of sacks against Chicago last week.

*Player spotlight – 49ers TE Vernon Davis: The 49ers avoided a scare when an MRI on Davis’ knee this week turned up nothing major. He’s expected to play, and the Cardinals have been particularly vulnerable to tight ends, giving up 16 touchdowns and 1,156 yards last season — 61.8 percent higher than the league average. Davis was responsible for three of those touchdowns.

*Fast facts: The 49ers have won nine of the past 10 meetings. … The Cardinals’ first two opponents this season have targeted their tight ends 22 times, completing 16 for 187 yards and a touchdown.

WHO WILL WIN AND WHY

The Cardinals have shown great resolve in stringing together consecutive victories despite injuries and off-field drama. Reality sets in against the 49ers, who can exploit weaknesses along Arizona’s front seven.

*Our pick: 49ers 23-16