The Chicago Bears host the Arizona Cardinals at Soldier Field for their Week 16 National Football League matchup on Sunday, December 24, at 6:25 p.m.
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears, currently 5-9, enter this matchup after a loss against Cleveland. This season has been quite shaky for the Bears, who got off to a rocky start, recording just one win in their first six games.
However, there have been signs of recovery, with the team showing significant improvement in recent games, winning three of their last five clashes. This wavering performance reflects the transition phase and the team’s untapped potential.
Offensively, the Bears have focused on a strong running game, averaging 20.5 points per game. The team has particularly excelled in run defense, leading the NFL with just 79.8 yards allowed per game.
However, the aerial game has been a question mark, with 17 passing touchdowns and 14 interceptions, highlighting a need for greater consistency in the aerial attack.
Quarterback Justin Fields has been a centerpiece for the Bears. His performance in the last game, with 166 passing yards, one touchdown and two interceptions, reflects the team’s struggle to find a balance between risk and reward in the passing game.
The Bears’ defense, while strong against the run, will face a significant challenge against the Cardinals, a team known for its varied offensive capabilities.
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals, with a 3-11 record, have not had an easy season. The team started the year with a series of defeats, managing just one win in their first nine games.
This victory, a surprising one against the Cowboys, was a glimpse of the team’s potential. Since then, the Cardinals have notched two more wins, but continue to struggle to find consistency.
The Cardinals’ offense has been a point of concern, averaging just 18.5 points per game. The defense has also been an issue, allowing an average of 26.9 points per game. These numbers put the team in an unfavorable position, especially when compared to the Bears, who have been strong on defense.
Kyler Murray, the Cardinals’ quarterback, has been a bright spot in an otherwise difficult season. His performance against the 49ers, with 211 passing yards, one touchdown and two interceptions, shows his ability to lead the team in adverse situations. However, inconsistency has been a recurring theme, both for Murray and the team as a whole.
Looking at the matchup between the Chicago Bears and Arizona Cardinals, several factors must be considered. The Bears have shown solid run defense, which could be crucial against the Cardinals, who have struggled to maintain a balanced offense. On the other hand, the Cardinals have shown flashes of brilliance, but their inconsistency has been a major hindrance.
Conclusion:
Therefore, the bet favors the Chicago Bears due to their strong defense and running game. While the Cardinals could surprise with Murray, the Bears have a more consistent edge, both offensively and defensively. Thus, the forecast is for a competitive game, but the Bears must win.