Phil Steele: Cardinals +4 at 49ers

[SBRforum Staff]

Cardinals +4 at 49ers

Game Time: 12/24/2006 4:05:00 PM
By: Phil Steele
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Look for the underdog Arizona Cardinals to win outright this Sunday when they visit the San Francisco 49ers.

Arizona opened up their new stadium with a 34-27 win vs the 49ers but failed to cover as an 8-point home favorite back in Week 1.

The Cardinals scored touchdowns on their first three drives, with two being helped out by the 49ers fumbling the ball to set up short drives. Still, the 49ers rallied to pull within eight by kicking a 44-yard field goal with 0:34 left and recovering the onside kick. San Francisco got to the Arizona 36 but Alex Smith spiked the ball and threw two incomplete passes into the end zone as Arizona escaped with the win.

Arizona is 9-23 ATS on the road (25-7 O/U). San Francisco is 4-1 ATS hosting a division foe and gained a huge amount of confidence by upsetting the Seahawks on a short week in poor weather. After being held to 100 yds in the first three quarters, they had 90, 73 and 86 yard TD drives.

Head coach Dennis Green has opened up the Cardinals' offense and, with Matt Leinart at the helm, they are the #7 pass offense and face the #20 pass defense of San Francisco. The 49ers have been a favorite twice this season, beating Oakland and losing to Green Bay.

While Arizona was outplayed at home vs Denver, they are still 4-1 ATS. This is our now infamous 'Ugly Dog' spot which is 8-2 on the season.

Forecast: Arizona-31 San Francisco-28

Play: Cardinals +4

[anthon9283]

Both teams are vastly different than week 1, not sure why they would use that info to make their case.

[zippo]

I like San Fransisco because Arizona's defense sucks and they are a horrible road team. Gore should have a big day and they have enough of a dink and dunk passing game to mix it up and keep the Card's defense off balance. Plus look for some play action. Arizona won't be able to run the ball and the Frisco defense will then have opportunities for 3rd and longs throughout the game to pin their ears back and go after Leinart.

[Checkerboard]

I like San Fransisco because Arizona's defense sucks and they are a horrible road team. Gore should have a big day and they have enough of a dink and dunk passing game to mix it up and keep the Card's defense off balance. Plus look for some play action. Arizona won't be able to run the ball and the Frisco defense will then have opportunities for 3rd and longs throughout the game to pin their ears back and go after Leinart.

agreed. that is all . .