The San Francisco 49ers host the Arizona Cardinals in only their first divisional game since facing the Seattle Seahawks in the season-opener. The 49ers have run out to a huge five game lead in the division and are now looking to pile on wins to try and secure a first round bye and possibly home field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs if the Packers can lose a game.
As would be expected, the 49ers are heavy favorites against the Cardinals. They opened as ten point favorites, but the line has come down a half point, which is a little surprising. Although the NFC West has had some awful teams in recent memory, the division does produce some quality contests within the division, even when one team is running away with it.
My guess is folks think something like that will happen, particularly with the 49ers coming off a huge emotional win over the New York Giants. Add in a pretty big game against the Baltimore Ravens, coached by Jim Harbaugh's brother, and this has all the makings of a trap game. You could suggest this is yet another huge test for Jim Harbaugh as he navigates his rookie season as a head coach in the NFL.
If I was a betting man I'd go with the 49ers to cover. Thus far the 49ers have shown an impressive ability to maintain their composure no matter the circumstances, and I think it can continue against the Cardinals in week eleven.