Behind Carson Palmer Arizona is a different team. The Cardinals won for the seventh straight time when the veteran quarterback starts and he makes them a contender in the NFC.
Bruce Arians interviewed for the Bears job back in 2013 before landing his current gig, and has directed the Cards to a 22-11 record. Arizona is even on the road under Arians, going 8-8, but has a stellar 11-5 ATS record in those games.
ODDS
The Cardinals opened as a 2-point favorite with a total of 45. The line has been wagered around the board, settling at its current -1.5. Arizona has been decent on the road since Arians took over going 8-8 SU and 11-5 ATS. The Cards should cover with over having plenty of value.
KEY INJURIES
Andre Ellington – Will miss a few weeks with a mild sprain of a knee ligament. Depth at running back was a concern for the Cardinals in the preseason, forcing the team to sign Chris Johnson, who will get a bunch of snaps against Chicago. David Johnson will also see time in the backfield.
Bobby Massie – Arizona’s starting tackle will complete his two-game suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.
Cornelius Washington – Was placed on injured reserve after suffering an undisclosed injury last week. He gave the Bears some backup help on the defensive line and played on special teams prior to getting hurt.
KEY MISMATCH
Arizona had difficulty against the Saints defending screen and swing passes out of the backfield. New Orleans running backs Mark Ingram had eight catches for 98 yards, including a 59-yard play and Khiry Robinson caught five for 59 yards. The Bears like to take advantage of their backs, particularly Matt Forte, who might be the best in the NFL in such situations. Forte looks like he could be primed for a huge year, and it couldn’t have come at a better time since this is his contract year. He ran for 141 yards and also caught five passes for another 25 yards, scoring a touchdown. The short passing game also takes the heat off Jay Cutler, who can be counted on to make a mistake. Cutler had a drive-killing pick against Green Bay and a couple of near misses in the fourth quarter.
KEY STAT
64.7 – Chicago’s third down conversion rate. The Bears were able to extend drives and keep the Packers offense off the field. However their inability to put the ball in the end zone and a costly red zone turnover hurt.
BETTING ANGLE
Cards coach Bruce Arians’ return to Chicago – perhaps for the first time since being told to go home in the coaching interview process in January 2013 – will raise questions about where the Bears would be now had they chosen Arians over Marc Trestman. There were factors that led to the Bears not hiring Arians, but Chicago fans are left to wonder what might have been. The Trestman era ended after two years and the Bears are on to their next head coach/GM duo in John Fox and Ryan Pace. Meanwhile, Arians won a second Coach of the Year award and he guided the Cardinals to a 22-11 record.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
This is a good matchup for Cutler and the Bears. Arizona was susceptible to the short passing game against New Orleans, allowing 149 yards on 13 receptions to Saints backs. Forte excels in this style of game and it also limits Cutler’s turnover chances. The Bears were able to move the ball against Green Bay, but couldn’t stick it in the end zone when it mattered. A late touchdown made the score closer. Chicago’s ball control game worked and kept the Packers offense off the field, however the defense struggled in the passing game. Palmer was able to pick apart the Saints secondary and should have an easier time against the Bears, who are still trying to figure out coordinator Vic Fangio’s 3-4 scheme.
Arizona 26, Chicago 21
The NFL lines for this Sunday contest first surfaced at BookMaker and the Cardinals were positioned as 2-point favorites with a total of 45. Gamble on the game between every commercial break with BookMaker’s live betting feature. Along with an adjusted in-game moneyline, you can wager on what will happen on the next play or how many points will be scored in the next quarter. Live betting is the most exciting way to play!
Access live betting lines from your mobile device or tablet at BookMaker Sportsbook! You can wager on sporting events as they unfold on television with BookMaker’s live betting platform. Real-time spreads, totals, props and moneyline odds are all available by clicking here so start betting with BookMaker today! The Arizona Cardinals and Chicago Bears square off on Sunday, September 20, 2015, at 1 p.m. ET at Soldier Field. The contest will be broadcast regionally on FOX.
