MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL: SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS AT ARIZONA CARDINALS

BY ADAM GREENE

Regardless of the records, every NFC West game is important because a 9-8 mark might be all it takes to win the division formerly known as the “toughest in the NFL.” As such, there’s plenty to pay attention to when the San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals make the trip to Mexico to do battle on Monday Night Football.

This rivalry began in 1951 while the Cardinals were still in Chicago, but it didn’t mean anything until 2002, when the NFL’s re-alignment put Arizona in the NFC West where it belongs. With two meetings a season for the last 20 years, the numbers have significantly jumped. This will be the 62^nd all time match up between the two clubs, with the Niners holding a 32-29 advantage. The Cardinals have won the last two and three of the last four. They last squared off on Nov. 7, 2021 with Arizona claiming a 31-17 blowout victory.

Colt McCoy, subbing in for an injured Kyler Murray, threw for 249 yards and a touchdown. James Conner carried the ball 21 times for 96 yards and two scores. He added five catches for 77 yards and another score. Christian Kirk (now with the Jacksonville Jaguars) caught six passes for 91 yards.

Jimmy Garoppolo threw for 326 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in the loss. Brandon Aiyuk caught six passes for 89 yards and a touchdown.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS AT ARIZONA CARDINALS (+8, O/U: 43.5)

Location: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico

Broadcast: ESPN

Kickoff: Nov. 21, 8:20 p.m. EST

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (5-4)

Once again, the 49ers have proven their paternity over a Los Angeles based team, this time delivering a 22-16 defeat to the Los Angeles Chargers last Sunday in Santa Clara. Jimmy Garoppolo finished 19 of 28 for 240 yards. He was sacked once. Elijah Mitchell rushed 18 times for 89 yards. Brandon Aiyuk caught six passes for 84 yards.

The defense sacked Justin Herbert twice and picked him off once. LA amassed just 51 total rushing yards.

ARIZONA CARDINALS (4-6)

The Cardinals got their revenge over their arch nemesis in a battle of back ups as Colt McCoy led the charge in a 27-17 win over the John Wolford led Los Angeles Rams. McCoy threw for 238 yards and a touchdown in the win. He was sacked twice. James Conner rushed 21 times for 69 yards and two touchdowns. He added 17 yards receiving. DeAndre Hopkins caught 10 passes for 98 yards. Rondale Moore had nine grabs for 94 yards.

The defense sacked Wolford three times, forced a fumble and picked him off once. They held the Rams to just 68 yards rushing.

THE PICK

Kyler Murray’s status is still up in the air, but I like the Cards in this match up regardless. They made it work twice last year, regardless of who was QB. I think they can do it again. Cardinals 23, 49ers 20

Last week

Straight up: 6-9

Against the spread: 9-6

Season

Straight up: 83-66-1

Against the spread: 81-69

Follow Adam Greene on Twitter @TheFirstMan.

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