The 49ers make their first appearance at Sun Devil Stadium since 1992 as these clubs battle for the first time since 1993.

San Francisco owns a one-game edge (10-9) in the series standings and posted a 28-24 triumph at 3Com Park in '93 in the last encounter between the clubs.

The Niners own a 4-4 road mark in this series, but they are 0-2 lifetime at Sun Devil Stadium (4-2 at St. Louis), their last appearance at Tempe resulting in a 24-14 setback in 1992.

It is worth noting is that the home team has prevailed in the last six meetings between the teams dating back to 1986

Numbers: Dating back to 1997 (including playoffs), the 49ers' offense has totaled 95 touchdowns and 48 field goals in 28 wins, 13 touchdowns and 14 field goals in 10 losses. Including playoffs, the 49ers have allowed 52 sacks in their last 15 games dating back to '98. Including playoffs, WR Terrell Owens has scored at least 1 touchdown in 13 of his last 16 contests dating back to '98.

Including playoffs, QB Jake Plummer has thrown 14 touchdown passes (plus rushed for 3 scores) and 20 interceptions in his last 13 games (8-5) dating back to '98. Including playoffs, Plummer has thrown two or more interceptions in 15 of his last 26 contests dating back to '97. The Cardinals have scored 282 points and allowed 299 points in their last 12 games (6-6) dating back to '98, including playoffs. Including playoffs, the Cardinals have committed two or more turnovers in 36 of their last 44 contests dating back to '96. The Cardinals have forced 35 turnovers (including playoffs) in 11 wins, but have just 16 takeaways in nine losses dating back to '98

Things To Look For:When most were expecting the Niners to rebound from their opening day debacle in Jacksonville with a blowout victory over the Saints, Steve Mariucci's team had to scrape out a win against a team that they usually dominate. The Cardinals have also not resembled the playoff team they were a year ago as QB Jake Plummer has gotten off to a slow start, but that could given the the 49ers' shaky secondary.

Etc.: The 49ers are making their first of three Monday night appearances this season (3-0 in '98) and are 33-18 lifetime on Monday Night Football (23-7 on Monday night since 1988), including 14-10 on the road. They have won eight straight games on Monday Night Football dating back to 1996, by a combined score of 261-104...Cardinals are making their first appearance on Monday Night Football since 1995 and are 5-9-1 lifetime on Monday Night Football, including 3-4-1 at home (0-2 at Phoenix/Arizona). The 49ers have not been shutout in an NFL-record 340 consecutive games. In 35 Monday night appearances, 49ers' WR Jerry Rice has caught 198 passes for 3,143 yards and 29 touchdowns, plus rushed for 2 touchdowns. With his appearance in this game, Rice will tie Dan Marino (36) for most games played on Monday Night Football. Rice has caught at least 1 pass in an NFL-record 195 straight games.

Cardinals WR Rob Moore (596) needs 4 catches to become the 21st player in NFL history with 600 career receptions. Moore has caught at least 1 pass in 104 straight games...