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Chicago Bears Take on Arizona Cardinals in Week 9 Showdown

In an exciting matchup this Sunday, the Chicago Bears (4-3) are set to visit the Arizona Cardinals (4-4) at 4:05 p.m. EST, with CBS broadcasting the game. According to BetMGM NFL odds, the Cardinals are favored by just one point in this contest. When examining their performances against the spread this season, the Bears hold a record of 4-2-1, whereas the Cardinals boast an impressive 5-3 mark. The Bears lead the all-time series with a significant advantage, holding a 58-29-6 record, although the last encounter ended in a victory for Chicago, who triumphed 27-16 at home on December 24, 2023.

Last week wasn’t ideal for the Bears as they fell short to the Washington Commanders, losing 18-15. Conversely, the Cardinals came away with a narrow 28-27 win against the Miami Dolphins. In terms of offensive statistics, the Bears currently rank 27th overall, 19th in rushing, 28th in passing, and 16th in scoring. Their defense is more notable, sitting tied for 11th overall, 14th against the run, 11th versus the pass, and 4th in scoring defense. The Cardinals, on the other hand, sit 12th overall offensively, ranked 7th in rushing, 22nd in passing, and 18th in scoring. Defensively, they struggle, ranking 27th overall, 26th against the run and pass, with a scoring defense that sits 24th.

One standout player for Chicago is quarterback Caleb Williams, the first overall pick in the recent draft. Williams faced challenges in his last game, completing only 10 of 24 attempts, marking the lowest completion rate in his brief career. He also had a critical fumble during a goal-line exchange and took a substantial sack that hindered his team’s chances of scoring, illustrating the growing pains of a rookie quarterback.

On the Cardinals’ side, rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. is emerging as a dynamic threat. Fresh off a remarkable performance—where he recorded six receptions for 111 yards and a touchdown against the Dolphins—he looks poised to continue his development into a top-level receiver, despite experiencing some inconsistencies this season.

A key aspect to monitor during the game will be the battle between Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray and the Bears’ solid defensive unit. The Bears have shown resilience on defense, ranking favorably in several categories, while Murray, coming off a season-best outing with 307 yards against Miami, aims to exploit any gaps in Chicago’s defense.

Injury updates for the Bears are concerning, as defensive end Montez Sweat (shin), left tackle Braxton Jones (knee), and guards Teven Jenkins (knee) and Bill Murray (chest) all exited the previous game early. Murray has been placed on injured reserve following the injury. For the Cardinals, defensive lineman Darius Robinson (calf) may be set to make his NFL debut after recovering from a long-term injury, while right tackle Jonah Williams (knee) has begun practicing after being designated to return from the IR. Other Cardinals players such as right tackle Kelvin Beachum (groin), defensive linemen Naquan Jones (thigh) and Roy Lopez (ankle), as well as cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting (neck) are also dealing with injuries that could impact their availability.

This matchup is significant as these teams have the longest rivalry in NFL history, dating back to their first meeting in 1920. Their last six contests have seen an alternating win-and-loss pattern. Notably, the Bears have had a tough time scoring early, accumulating only ten points in the first quarter all season and managing to keep their opponents under 21 points for 13 consecutive games—an NFL record streak since the Baltimore Ravens did so from 2019-2020. The Bears’ defense has proven tough in the red zone, allowing just seven touchdowns on 19 attempts. Meanwhile, running back D’Andre Swift has emerged as a key player, racking up 386 rushing yards and four touchdowns over the past four games, alongside his active contributions in the receiving game.

For the Cardinals, James Conner is on the verge of milestone achievement as he reaches 100 appearances in the NFL, split evenly between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona. Cincinnati’s offensive line has shown remarkable performance, going three games without allowing a sack—an achievement they haven’t matched since 1975. Lastly, Murray’s performances have tied him with Carson Palmer for fourth in franchise history in touchdown passes, showcasing his impact on the team’s offense. Defensive back Budda Baker leads all defensive backs this season with 79 tackles, contributing significantly to the Cardinals’ defensive efforts, while kicker Chad Ryland has become a clutch performer, making three game-winning field goals in the last four games. Tight end Trey McBride has also been a reliable target, ranking among the top for catches and receiving yards this season.

For fantasy players, Arizona’s Michael Wilson has demonstrated potential, scoring touchdowns in two of his last three games. Though not often targeted heavily, he may be a valuable addition in slotted flex positions due to his knack for finding the end zone.

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