MNF Betting – NFC West Rivals Clash Under Monday Night Lights In The Desert

Despite having a combined six wins through 20 games, the San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals are both in contention for a playoff berth in the NFC West this season. The 49ers and Cardinals are each 3-7, two games back of the division-leading Seattle Seahawks, with one of those teams potentially closing the gap to one game in this MNF betting matchup. 

San Francisco 49ers @ Arizona Cardinals

Monday November 28, 2010 – 8:30 PM ET

University of Phoenix Stadium, Phoenix, Arizona

Broadcast: ESPN

NFL Betting Odds: 49ers PICK, Cardinals PICK

Total: 34.5 

While San Francisco has lost all four games away from home this season and is coming off a 21-0 shutout loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Arizona’s situation is dire after five straight defeats. 

MNF Betting : What The 49ers Will Have To Do To Win? 

The 49ers were projected by many as the favorites to win the NFC West, and although that is still a very real possibility, they will first need to find a way to win on the road. San Francisco appeared to have the answer with quarterback Troy Smith under center for consecutive wins over the Denver Broncos and St. Louis Rams, but then they were blanked by the Buccaneers in a game where Smith contributed just 148 yards and an interception. Running back Frank Gore didn’t help that situation out with a season-low 23 rushing yards, and both will need to be a lot better Monday against an Arizona team that ranks in the bottom-five against both the run and pass. 

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MNF Betting : What The Cardinals Will Have To Do To Win? 

While the 49ers will need strong performances from key players, the Cardinals are still unsure of which players to use. After rotating between Derek Anderson and Max Hall for a couple of weeks, head coach Ken Whisenhunt has settled on Anderson. That decision hasn’t panned out so far, with Anderson throwing more interceptions (8), than touchdowns (7). Running backs Tim Hightower and Beanie Wells could help the cause if they can do better than their combined 4.1-yard average, but much of those struggles have to do with the poor play of the Cardinals’ line. Arizona’s defense has allowed 22 points or more in each of their last five losses, including 31 or more in three of them. 

MNF Betting : Outlook & Pick 

This will be the first of consecutive road games for the 49ers, which makes this a must-win game with the prospect of playing the Green Bay Packers the following week far from enticing. San Francisco will have a good shot against a Cardinals’ team they have beaten the last two meetings, but will need to stick to their game plan and not turn the ball over. Arizona is in a world of trouble after five straight losses, and despite playing at home, may lack the identity to prevent the 49ers from stealing their first win away from home this season. 

MNF Betting Pick: 49ers PICK