Cardinals (3-11) at Bears (5-9)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, Soldier Field, Chicago
TV: Fox
Spread (BetMGM):
Bears by 4.5
Cardinals’ keys to victory: Arizona needs to prioritize ball security against a Bears defense that has generated 13 takeaways in their past four games. QB Kyler Murray had two interceptions and two fumbles (neither was lost) in a Week 15 loss to the 49ers. The Cardinals will look to lean on RB James Conner, who will have to contend with one of the NFL’s best run defenses. On defense, Arizona needs to get after QB Justin Fields and prevent him from making plays with his legs.
Bears’ keys to victory: Chicago’s offense will look to get off to a fast start against Arizona, leaning on a balanced attack with Fields at the helm. The Cardinals have one of the NFL’s worst run defenses, so expect a run-heavy attack with Fields and RBs D’Onta Foreman, Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson. Fields should also look to stretch the field vertically with WR DJ Moore, his favorite target. On defense, DE Montez Sweat needs to force Murray into mistakes.
Matchup to watch: Bears’ Sweat vs. Cardinals OTs D.J. Humphries and Paris Johnson Jr. Sweat has been a differencemaker for Chicago’s defense and a menace for opposing offensive tackles. Humphries and Johnson will be tasked with containing Sweat, who leads both the Bears and his former Commanders team in sacks this season.
Who wins? Both teams are coming off tough losses and looking to rebound. The edge goes to the home team, which has turned a corner with a defense that has been a top-five unit.
Bears, 27-20