Cardinals vs. Bears 12/24/23 – In the NFL Week 16 lineup, the Arizona Cardinals, standing at 3-11, are set to face the Chicago Bears, who hold a slightly better record of 5-9. This matchup on Sunday, December 24, 2023, at Soldier Field, is a critical game for both teams as they strive to improve their standings. This game, crucial for their season’s narrative, will be a focal point for those interested in football picks today.
Cardinals vs. Bears 12/24/23
| When: | Sunday, December 24, 2023, at 4:25 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Soldier Field |
| TV: | FOX |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cardinals | +4 -105 | o43 -110 | +175 |  |
| Bears | -4 -115 | u43 -110 | -205 | |
| ||||
49-yard TD run for your feed 💨
🎥 Offensive Coordinator Drew Petzing breaks down Emari Demercado's TD vs. the 49ers. pic.twitter.com/VphixP4ela
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) December 21, 2023
Joshua Dobbs QB vs. Justin Fields QB
Joshua Dobbs has endured growing pains since taking over as the starter this season. In his eight games played, Dobbs has completed just 62.8 percent of his passes, while throwing for 1,569 yards, 8 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. He has struggled to move the chains consistently, posting a mediocre 196.1 yards per game as the starter. Dobbs has also taken his share of hits, being sacked 17 times for a loss of 126 yards. He lacks established weapons in the passing attack and often holds onto the ball too long. Dobbs’ passer rating sits at a below average 81.2.
Justin Fields has taken a major step forward in year two. Fields has completed 61.4 percent of his passes for 1,976 yards in 10 games. He has thrown 14 touchdown passes compared to 8 interceptions. Fields has also used his athleticism as a weapon, rushing for 1,011 yards at a 7.1 yards per carry clip, while scoring 7 rushing touchdowns. He pilots a mediocre Chicago offense but is the driving force behind any success they achieve.
Cardinals’ Offensive Dynamics
Arizona’s offense has been propelled forward by James Conner’s impressive rushing stats: 717 yards and five touchdowns over 10 games at an average of five yards per rush – providing Arizona a reliable ground game asset. Marquise Brown has been an instrumental factor for the Cardinals, notching 51 receptions out of 101 targets for 574 yards and four touchdowns – his performance with an average yardage after catch of 164 is essential to their aerial attack.
Bears’ Offensive Strengths
The Bears’ offense centers heavily around Justin Fields, who contributes significantly to both their ground game and rushing attack. D’Onta Foreman leads them with 425 yards and four touchdowns through nine games at an average of 3.9 per carry. DJ Moore, as Fields’ primary target at wide receiver, has made 80 receptions for 1123 yards and 7 touchdowns – his ability to convert receptions into gains can be seen by his 452 yard touchdown receptions this season.
NFL Betting Odds: Chicago Bears -215, Over/Under: 44
The betting odds favor the Chicago Bears with a -215 moneyline and a spread of -4.5, indicating their perceived advantage over the Cardinals. The over/under is set at 44, suggesting expectations of a moderately high-scoring game.
Trends
Arizona Cardinals Betting Trends
Arizona are 3-17 SU in their last 20 games.
Cardinals are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games against Chicago.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Arizona’s last 5 games on the road.
Arizona are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Chicago.
Cardinals are 2-11 SU in their last 13 games against an opponent in the National Football Conference conference.
Arizona are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games against an opponent in the National Football Conference North division.
Chicago Bears Betting Trends
Chicago are 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Chicago’s last 7 games.
Chicago are 5-15 SU in their last 20 games.
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chicago’s last 6 games against Arizona.
Chicago are 3-10 SU in their last 13 games at home.
Chicago are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Arizona.
Arizona Cardinals vs. Chicago Bears Betting Picks
Analyzing both teams’ performances and betting trends, the Bears seem to have an edge, especially given their ATS record and home-field advantage. However, the Cardinals’ success against Chicago ATS in recent games adds an element of unpredictability.
For bettors using the best betting sites, considering the Bears for the win seems logical, but the Cardinals’ potential to cover the spread cannot be ignored. The over/under is challenging, but given both teams’ offensive capabilities, betting on the UNDER might be a cautious approach.
In conclusion, while the Bears are favorites, the Cardinals’ resilience, especially in matchups against Chicago, could lead to a closer game than expected. Bettors should weigh individual matchups and recent trends carefully before placing their bets.
Score Prediction: Bears 24, Cardinals 20
