A massively disappointing season will finally be laid to rest for the San Francisco 49ers when they host the Arizona Cardinals in Week 17. The 7-8 49ers have been marred by injuries and constant rumors of discontent with head coach Jim Harbaugh.
Speculation has swirled for the entire year that Harbaugh would leave once the 2015 offseason came, whether by trade or outright firing. Reports surfaced on Saturday that Harbaugh will back to college to become the head coach of the Michigan Wolverines once the season ends. Whatever happens, the offseason can't come soon enough for the 49ers as they get set to undergo significant changes.
As for the 11-4 Cardinals, they've already clinched a playoff spot and can still win the NFC West if they beat the Niners and the 11-4 Seahawks lose their game. Arizona is coming off a 35-6 whipping at the hands of Seattle, who won both matchups with the Cardinals, giving them the head-to-head tiebreaker for the division lead.
San Francisco had won five straight at home over Arizona and took nine of 10 meetings overall before a 23-14 road loss in Week 3. The Niners led by eight at halftime in that contest, and they've had a habit of blowing leads this season -- including a 21-point lead at halftime that they let slip away in their 38-35 overtime loss to the Chargers last Saturday.
As for what the experts are saying, they're pretty split on who will win this matchup. The CBS Sports eight-man panel features four in favor of San Francisco and four picking Arizona. At ESPN, 10 of 13 experts picked the 49ers to win their home finale.
Here at SB Nation, there are three nods to the 49ers and five going with the Cardinals.
Week 17 |
Ryan Van Bibber |
Stephen White |
Joel Thorman |
David Fucillo |
Danny Kelly |
PFT Commenter |
Matt Ufford |
OddsShark Computer |
ARZ @ SF |
ARZ |
SF |
ARZ |
ARZ |
SF |
ARZ |
SF |
ARZ |