Though Los Angeles and Utah both have miserable records, the importance of Monday’s matchup can not understated in the assailable American Conference. L.A. is 4-9 (4-8-1 ATS) and currently holding down the fifth postseason position and Utah is 4-10 (5-8-1 ATS) with a tenuous grip on the last playoff spot. Both clubs need a win to survive and move forward.

The Avengers have really been scuffling, losing three in a row and five of six, mostly due to extremely inconsistent quarterback play, even taking measures of signing QB Sam Keller this past week, who played for the Nebraska last fall. Turnovers have plagued Los Angeles, committing three or more in more than half their games (8) this season. The Avengers arrive in Utah 2-9 ATS as a road underdog over the last two seasons, losing by almost 19 points an outing.

It’s hard to comprehend Utah could possibly be in any postseason conversation after starting the season 0-9. The Blaze has been blazing, winners of four of last five, as the offense, led by quarterback Joe Germaine has returned. In the last five contests, Utah has played back to past levels, scoring 63.2 PPG and has moved up to third overall in points scored. Even the AFL worst defense has moved out of the basement in points allowed, thanks to 16 fumbled recoveries. Because Utah has been so offensive oriented under, they have been a severe play against team with 16-31 ATS record in all games over the last three seasons.

Sportsbook.com has Utah as nine-point favorite with total at 122. The Blaze is unthinkable 3-13 ATS as a home favorite over the last three seasons, with Los Angeles 1-8 ATS in road games off a division game in the same span of time. Utah is 12-3 OVER as a home favorite, with the Avengers 11-3 OVER after two or more consecutive losses against the spread.

This Western Division contest with playoff implications will be on ESPN2 at 10 Eastern, with Utah 0-6 ATS revenging a loss where opponent scored 63 or more points.

StatFox Power Line – Utah by 14

StatFox Edge – L.A. covers

Season Record - 36-20-2 (64.2 percent)