Arizona Cardinals at Chicago Bears NFL Predictions & Lines
November 4, 2009
The 4-3 Arizona Cardinals meet the 4-3 Chicago Bears Sunday at Soldier Field in a Week 9 NFC showdown. Last week, it was flat out ugly for the defending NFC champs as Kurt Warner had six turnovers in a 34-21 loss and I was all over it with my NFC Game of the Year on the 10.5-point underdog Panthers. The Bears were on the other end of things last week, crushing the Browns 30-6. These teams last met in the 2006 season with the Bears coming from behind to win 24-23. Cardinals fans remember Dennis Green’s ensuing postgame press conference. The Bears have won five of the last six meetings and hold a decisive 55-26-6 lead in the all-time series. NFL spread setters have listed the Chicago Bears as a 3-point favorite with the total set at 44.
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Plain and simple, when Jay Cutler plays well his teams win. In fact, his teams are a perfect 13-0 when he posts a passer rating of 100 or better. I expect the 100-plus passer rating games to start piling up in Chicago as Cutler continues to build chemistry with his receiving corps. One player that is making Cutler’s life easier is deep threat Devin Hester. The converted defensive back and return specialist is developing nicely into a No. 1 wideout. Since Chicago’s Week 5 bye, Hester has caught at least six passes in each of the Bears last three games while averaging 88.3 yards per game. His pass patterns are getting better and better and so are his instincts. Plus, he gives Chicago a vertical threat that it has been missing in recent years. Rookie wideout Johnny Knox is getting with the program as well. He enters Week 9 with four touchdown grabs, good for second in the NFL among rookies.
On the other side of the football, injuries have taken a toll on what was expected to be a strong Bears defense. The one constant for this defense has been star linebacker Lance Briggs, though. The guy is simply one of the best in the game and he will likely play a huge role in keeping the Bears in this week’s contest. Arizona loves to hit its opponents with short routes to its talented set of playmakers to let them run after the catch. If Briggs can make quick reads to limit the yards gained after the catch, it will go a long way toward helping the Bears win. It is worth noting that the Bears are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 home games. If you like Chicago at home laying a field goal this week, bet the Bears at -3 at Bookmaker.
Last week was ugly for the Cardinals, but a letdown was expected after such a big win over the Giants. The good news is that the Cardinals, who have struggled on the road in recent years, are a perfect 3-0 away from home this season. In fact, they have not gotten off to such a strong road start in 27 years. The Cardinals will have their work cut out for themselves against a Bears team that is 3-0 at home.
Arizona has more offensive weapons that just about any team in the league, and the defense is playing much better than it did last season when the Cards captured the NFC title. Basically, if Warner and the offense don’t turn the football over, we can expect to see Arizona in every game with the way it has been playing. Chicago is going to have to show that it can defend the pass better than it did against the Bengals two weeks ago and perhaps it will get some Windy City weather to help its chances. It is worth noting that the Cardinals are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games as an underdog. If you like Arizona to improve to 4-0 on the road, bet the Cardinals at +3 at Bookmaker.
Three weeks ago, it was Jimmy’s NFL Underdog Shocker of the Year on the Texans. Two weeks ago, it was his NFL Favorite of the Year on the Cowboys. Last week, he struck again with his NFC Game of the Year on the Panthers. Make sure you sign up for world champion handicapper Jimmy Boyd’ low-cost NFL expert picks package for another huge winner this Sunday!
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