The Chicago Bears (8-6) and Arizona Cardinals (5-9) will meet for the 91st time on Sunday afternoon.
The Bears lead the all-time series 57-27-6.
The Cardinals took care of the Bears the last time these two NFC teams met in 2009, 41-21.
The Bears are coming off a tough 21-13 loss to the Green Bay Packers last Sunday. The loss put the Bears at 8-6 and on the outside looking in to the postseason.
With a win though it will give a Bears a better shot at making the playoffs likely as the sixth seed in the NFC.
After losing nine straight games, the Cardinals crushed the Detroit Lions 38-10 at the University of Phoenix Stadium last week.
The game won’t be easy for the Bears, who have scored 20 or points just once in their last six games. They have dropped five of their last six games and have quickly taken themselves out of contention in the NFC.
But a win can cure a lot of things for the Bears this Sunday.
Bears’ LB Brian Urlacher (hamstring) didn’t practice all week. He has been ruled out. DT Henry Melton (chest) was limited all week in practice and is listed as doubtful.
WR Earl Bennett (concussion) and CB Tim Jennings (shoulder) practiced on a limited basis this week and are considered questionable to play on Sunday.
LB Geno Hayes (knee) and DE Shea McClellin both put in a full practice on Friday and are considered probable.
Cardinals WR Early Doucet (concussion) and LG Mike Gibson (calf) have been ruled out.
Eight Cardinals are listed as questionable: LB Quentin Groves (foot), TE Rob Housler (knee), S Rashad Johnson (hamstring), T Nate Potter (ankle), S James Sanders (calf), FB Anthony Sherman (knee), TE Ronald Talley (ankle) and DT Dan Williams (hamstring).
The Bears will win if?
The Bears will win if they can get running back Matt Forte going early and often. The Cardinals run defense has been very vulnerable this season and the Bears must take advantage of it. Running the ball effectively will open things up for Jay Cutler and the rest of the Bears’ offense.
The Bears will lose if?
The Bears will lose if they turn the ball over. They have to put together long drives and really strive to be successful on first and second downs. They can’t afford to turn the ball over. If they lose the turnover battle they don’t win very often. It won’t be easy on the road in Arizona, but the Cardinals haven’t been a very good team this season especially on the offensive side of the ball.
Players who must step up:
1) WR Devin Hester- He will be used in the slot if Earl Bennett can’t go on Sunday. He will also get more chances at returning punts and kicks. He has been effective of late, but hasn’t been able to take one all the way. He scored a meaningful touchdown in the comeback against the Cardinals in 2006 at the University of Phoenix Stadium. Here’s to hoping he can do it again.
Prediction: Four catches, 40 yards.
2) S Chris Conte- He had seven tackles a week ago against the Packers, but was penalized for a key pass interference call that turned into a touchdown. He should be able to get things going against a weak quarterback in Ryan Lindley for Arizona. Look for Conte to be active all afternoon long.
Prediction: Eight tackles, one interception
3) LB Lance Briggs- He had nine tackles a week ago against the Packers and was effective in blitzing situations. He should be able to have a good day on Sunday. He will be called upon to shut down Beanie Wells and the Cardinals run game. Look for Briggs to play his best game of the season this week.
Prediction: 11 tackles, 1.0 sack
Score Prediction:
Jake Perper: Chicago Bears 31, Arizona Cardinals 17.
Qwikcast.com Weather Report:
Partly sunny. Highs 60 to 65. East wind around 5 mph in the morning becoming light in the afternoon.
Jake Perper is the owner and head writer for Bearsbacker.com. Follow him on Twitter, @Bearsbacker and on Facebook for up to the minute news about the Bears.
