Even though San Francisco is coming off four consecutive losing seasons and have gone 4-12 and 7-9 in their first two seasons under coach Mike Nolan, hopes are high in the Bay Area. The 49ers have a young group of players on offense that features running back Frank Gore, tight end Vernon Davis and quarterback Alex Smith, the No. 1 overall pick in 2005.

San Francisco made a lot of changes to their defense in the off season as they brought in four free agents, headed by Bills cornerback Nate Clements, whom they signed to an eight-year $80 million dollar contract. The 49ers also took linebacker Patrick Willis with the 11th overall pick in the draft.

Last season the 49ers started off the season facing Arizona and got beat by a 34-27 score on the road. They also met in week 16 when Arizona beat them for the second time 26-20.

After being favorite pick last season to do well in 2006 the Cardinals lost eight in a row after the opener. As a result the Cardinals fired coach Dennis Green after a second straight 5-11 season and hired Pittsburgh Steelers coach Ken Whisenhunt as head coach, promising to restore the offense with an added emphasis on the running game. With that statement Edgerrin James is hoping to get back to form after scoring only 6 TD's and a career low 3.4 yards per carry. Like San Francisco, Arizona has plenty of on offense with second-year quarterback Matt Leinart and outstanding wide receivers Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin.

Last season Arizona was outscored by 4 PPG and outgained by 35 YPG, while San Francisco was –7.9 PPG and –42 YPG. Some contradictory trends emerge in this one as the favorite is 6-1 SU & ATS in games played at Monster Park while Matt Leinart is currently 3-0 SU and ATS versus division teams, winning all 3 SU as a dog. None the less my opinion is that Arizona is transtioning from a 4-3 to a 3-4 with the wrong group of players. Give the points and take the 49ers in this one