Monday Night Football NFL Betting Preview: 49ers vs. Cardinals

Frank Gore, Alex Smith and Vernon Davis lead the 49ers into Monday Night Football vs. Arizona. (AP Images)

The San Francisco 49ers are three point favorites heading into tonight's season opener against the Arizona Cardinals.

Led by the "2K7 Triplets" - Alex Smith, Frank Gore and Vernon Davis - the 49ers have become a chic pick for the NFC West crown and a playoff berth. Tonight, most eyes will be on Gore, who missed the majority of training camp and exhibition action with a broken hand. Could the injury cost Gore, who has suffered with fumbling issues for most of his pro career?

For the Cardinals, the game will mark a first for Ken Whisenhunt, who replaced Dennis Green as coach. "The Whis" is getting good reviews and will make his NFL head coaching debut taking over a talented young offense led by QB Matt Leinart and WRs Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin.

It's worth noting that in an otherwise forgettable 2006 season, two of Arizona's victories were against 49ers, and that Arizona has the easiest schedule in the league - their opponents' 2006 record was 118-138 (.461).

More Betting Trends to Consider:

• The total has gone OVER in five of Arizona's last five games
• Arizona is 6-1 ATS in its last seven games
• The total has gone OVER in six of Arizona's last seven games when playing San Francisco
• Arizona is 4-1 ATS in its last five games on the road
• The total has gone OVER in six of San Francisco's last seven games when playing Arizona
• San Francisco is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Arizona
• The total has gone OVER in four of San Francisco's last five games
• The total has gone OVER in four of San Francisco's last five games when playing at home against Arizona

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