Who would have thought a Week 17 matchup between the Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers would have been so captivating? Though it won't have direct playoff implications, this matchup can greatly affect the 49ers playoff seeding.

The 49ers have struggled their way to having just a .5 game lead over the surging Seattle Seahawks. They must win today to lock up the NFC West as their 10-5-1 record has not been enough to guarantee them the entry to the division crown.

One has to admire Collin Kaepernick's talent. He is well on his way to surpassing Alex Smith's total yards this season despite only starting in his 7th game. 

Kaepernick has passed for 1,538 yards, eight touchdowns and thrown three interceptions in the 2012 season. As an inexperienced quarterback, Kaepernick is bound to play in his first playoff game. A victory over the Cardinals would put the icing on the cake. 

Many disliked the benching of Alex Smith, but Kaepernick brings his playmaking abilities every single game, and for coach Jim Harbough, it's too precious to have on the bench. 

The Cardinals will have a chance to put behind a super disappointing season. Larry Fitzgerald is probably one of the only valuables in that team and rumors have it that he might want out if Arizona can't promise him a feasible quarterback who can get him the ball. 

Watch the live action as the 49ers play in the final week of the NFL and take on the Cardinals. 

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