The San Francisco 49ers are in a pivotal four-game stretch of their schedule where four wins may cement their postseason spot.
They started that four-game stretch with a 41-22 win over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. It continues Monday night with a showdown against a very confusing Carolina Panthers club at Levi’s Stadium in Week 12.
A quick look at the standings indicates the 49ers and Panthers are very similar clubs. Both teams are coming off wins in Week 11. San Francisco is No. 8 in the NFC at 7-4, with Carolina on their heels at 6-5. The point spread for Monday’s game tells a different story.
BetMGM’s opening line has the 49ers favored by more than a touchdown. Here’s what the odds look like:
Spread: 49ers -6.5 (-110)Over/under: 47.5 (-110)Moneyline: 49ers -325, Panthers +270Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!
Sunday should be a fascinating matchup that tells us a lot about where each team is in the NFC hierarchy.
The 49ers have managed to keep their heads above water as injuries have stacked up on both sides of the ball. Meanwhile, the Panthers started 1-3, but since then are 5-2 with some truly head-scratching performances mixed in. They have two wins over the Atlanta Falcons including a 30-0 drubbing and a 30-27 overtime win in Week 11. They also have a road win at the Green Bay Packers, and a home loss to the New Orleans Saints.
Oddsmakers believe the 49ers are the better team, and if San Francisco plays like they did in Week 11 they should be able to cover and assert themselves as the better of these two clubs.
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