The Cardinals can clinch their second consecutive NFC West title by beating the 49ers in San Francisco. Although the 49ers would seem to have the emotional edge given that their playoff hopes hang by a thread, Arizona is bent on avenging its season-opening loss. Also, the Cardinals want to prove to a “Monday Night Football” audience that they can back up their impressive victory over the Vikings with another stellar effort.
THE SKINNY
The Cardinals can clinch their second consecutive NFC West title by beating the 49ers in San Francisco. Although the 49ers would seem to have the emotional edge given that their playoff hopes hang by a thread, Arizona is bent on avenging its season-opening loss. Also, the Cardinals want to prove to a “Monday Night Football” audience that they can back up their impressive victory over the Vikings with another stellar effort.
Cardinals seek revenge, NFC West title
THREE THINGS TO WATCH
1. Larry Fitzgerald could have a rare big day against the 49ers. In the past, he’s been shut down by cornerback Nate Clements, but Clements is out with a broken shoulder blade. Shawntae Spencer will cover Fitzgerald.
2. The 49ers have been successful in holding down the Cardinals’ high-powered offense because they’ve been able to get to Kurt Warner off the edges. In particular, outside linebacker Parys Haralson has been a load for Arizona’s tackles.
Jeremy Bridges had a terrific game against Minnesota, replacing the injured Mike Gandy, and he’ll have to be as solid against San Francisco’s blitzers.
3. The Cardinals have had some trouble covering tight ends this season, and Vernon Davis has emerged as the go-to receiver for 49ers quarterback Alex Smith. He’s tied for the NFL lead with 10 touchdown receptions. That may force Arizona to use strong safety Adrian Wilson more in pass coverage than it would like.
Cardinals at 49ers
When: 6:30 p.m. Monday
Where: Candlestick Park, San Francisco
TV/Radio: ESPN/KTAR (620 AM)
Records: Arizona 8-4, San Francisco 5-7
STARTING LINEUPS
Cardinals offense
WR Larry Fitzgerald
LT Jeremy Bridges
LG Reggie Wells
C Lyle Sendlein
RG Deuce Lutui
RT Levi Brown
TE Stephen Spach
WR Anquan Boldin
QB Kurt Warner
RB Tim Hightower
FB Dan Kreider
Cardinals defense
DE Calais Campbell
DT Bryan Robinson
DE Darnell Dockett
OLB Chike Okeafor
MLB Karlos Dansby
MLB Gerald Hayes
OLB Clark Haggans
RCB Bryant McFadden
LCB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
SS Adrian Wilson
FS Antrel Rolle
49ers offense
QB Alex Smith
RB Frank Gore
FB Moran Norris
WR Michael Crabtree
WR Josh Morgan
TE Vernon Davis
LT Barry Sims
LG David Baas
C Eric Heitmann
RG Chilo Rachal
RT Adam Snyder
49ers defense
LDE Isaac Sopoaga
DT Aubrayo Franklin
RDE Justin Smith
OLB Manny Lawson
MLB Takeo Spikes
MLB Patrick Willis
OLB Parys Haralson
CB Dre’ Bly
CB Shawntae Spencer
SS Michael Lewis
FS Dashon Goldson
