San Francisco vs. Arizona: Monday Night Football Game Will Decide Playoff Fate

The Monday Night Football game for Week 12 is an interesting matchup between two struggling teams. The Arizona Cardinals play host to the Sam Francisco 49ers in a battle of two teams with just three wins apiece. The amazing thing is they both still have a shot at winning the NFC West.

The Seattle Seahawks lead the division with a 5-5 record, putting the Cardinals and the Niners just two games out of first. The latest odds on the Niners to win the NFC West are only 2-1 as many experts are still high on this team. The same cannot be said for the Cardinals.

The Cardinals' odds to win the NFC West are an eye-popping 12-1. The odds are higher for the Cardinals because they have already lost twice to the division front-runner.

The 49ers started the season by losing five straight games and they have yet to win on the road this season, losing all four games they have played. Coach Mike Singletary is getting used to the hot seat and is facing criticism on a daily basis.

The team has gone through a quarterback change and now the mobile Troy Smith has taken over for draft bust Alex Smith. The change seemed to be working for the team as San Francisco won two straight before putting up its worst game of the season against Tampa Bay. The 49ers could only muster 189 total yards in the game and were embarrassed at home, losing 21-0.

The Cardinals were dominated on the road by Kansas City. The Birds were grounded, with the final score 31-13, marking the fifth loss in a row for this floundering franchise. Coach Ken Whisenhunt has juggled quarterbacks all year and has seemingly settled on Derek Anderson.

Anderson is turnover-prone and has eight interceptions on the year, compared to just seven touchdowns. If the Cardinals want any chance of making the playoffs, this is a must-win at home against a divisional rival.

The Cardinals are seeking revenge against the Niners, who swept them in the season series a year ago. They have done very well in the home underdog role as they are 20-8-1 against the spread (ATS) in their last 29 games as a home underdog.

They also respond well after a blowout, as they are 21-8 ATS in their last 29 games after allowing more than 150 yards rushing in their previous game and should be up for this home game under the lights.

The 49ers are 1-7 ATS in their last eight games as a favorite, 3-12-1 ATS in their last 16 games as a road favorite, and 5-12-2 ATS in their last 19 games following a double-digit loss at home.

The Cardinals should win at home to stay in the playoff race as the 49ers continue their losing ways on the NFL highway.

Matt Regaw is a B/R Featured Columnist and the founder of BookieBlitz.com, your one-stop shop for sports articles, previews and predictions. Feel free to contact Matt at [e-mail].