Cardinals Bears Betting – Bears Set To Maul Unsettled Cardinals
Chicago’s online betting chances are set around their offense’s ability to grasp a new system, in particular, their strong-armed quarterback. The Bears will welcome Arizona to town this Saturday night, and the Chicago offense will show some signs of life in this contest.
- What: NFL betting
- When: Saturday, August 28th, 8:30 PM ET
- Where: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
- Pick: Chicago Bears -3.5
What’s On The Line
The Cardinals fell 24-10 in Tennessee last week, and they’re still trying to figure out who their No.1 quarterback will be, because the incumbent doesn’t look comfortable under center. The Bears were thumped 32-17 by Oakland at home, and they’re still getting used to a new coordinator, so it could be a sloppy offensive game on Saturday night.
Offensive Matchups: Cardinals Bears Betting
Matt Leinart was 4-of-6 for 28 yards, while Derek Anderson was 11-of-19 for 105 yards, and the picture under center is getting murky in Arizona. Leinart has been the pivot-in-waiting, but he’s not doing himself any favors, and Anderson has been getting a lot of reps. This could be Leinart’s best chance to win the starter’s role, and while he doesn’t have Larry Fitzgerald out there, Leinart looks like he doesn’t even know the offense, and he’s been there for four years.
The Bears managed just 100 passing yards, and 99 of those came from Jay Cutler, who was 7-of-15 and added a touchdown pass as well. Cutler is still getting used to Mike Martz’s system after he arrived in Chicago, but it doesn’t help that the Bears still don’t have any receivers. One bright spot was Matt Forte, who ran for 109 yards, and 89 of those yards came on a touchdown run. Forte struggled last year, and the Bears need him to step up this year and take some pressure off of Cutler.
Betting Edge: Draw
Defensive Matchups: Cardinals Bears Betting
The Cardinals’ NFL betting odds this season may depend more on their defense until the quarterback situation is sorted out, but if they play like they did against Tennessee, that won’t be good. The Titans basically did what they wanted against the Cardinals both through the air and on the ground, but there was a positive. End Calais Campbell had six tackles and was generally a nuisance, and the Cardinals will be counting on him up front. Still, they have to be better on third down, where the Titans were 3-of-5.
End Julius Peppers had five tackles and a sack for the Bears, who hope that he’ll be the pass-rush threat they need to push them over the edge. Linebacker Brian Urlacher hurt his calf against the Raiders, but should be fine for this game. They were better against the run they against the pass, but the intensity didn’t seem to be there for the Bears, who have the tools to be a very good defense.
Betting Edge: Bears
Notable Injuries: Cardinals Bears Betting
Fitzgerald (knee) will be held out for the rest of the preseason, but should be fine for the regular season. Fellow receiver Early Doucet (abdomen) and tight end Ben Patrick (knee) are also out, along with linebacker Gerald Hayes (back).
Urlacher (calf) is one to watch, but safeties Major Harris (finger) and Josh Bullocks may take a seat, alongside quarterback Caleb Hanie (shoulder) and receiver Earl Bennett (hamstring).
Betting Edge: Draw
Outlook and Pick: Cardinals Bears Betting
The Bears are 3.5-point NFL betting favorites at home in this contest, and they should have enough to come away with the win as Arizona has a lot to sort out on offense. Starters will play at least a half in this game, so, the Cardinals go with Leinart or Anderson? At least the Bears have the personnel in place, they’re just trying to learn a new system. We also think Cutler will have a decent game going up against Leinart, as the two were drafted together in 2006. Go with Chicago to cover the sports betting spread in this game.
