Three bold predictions for the Chicago Bears – Arizona Cardinals match

It’s a two-game winning streak for the Arizona Cardinals, and the team and its fans feel on top of the world. After a road win over the Dolphins, Arizona is back home and set to host Caleb Williams and the Bears.

Like the Cardinals, Chicago has had its ups and downs this year with a 4-3 record, but they control their own destiny. Despite the obvious shortcomings, the Bears continue to play good football and win games, or at least keep them close. They also just suffered one of the most heartbreaking defeats in recent memory after the Commanders defeated them in a Hail Mary.

With Chicago looking to get back into the winning column and Arizona looking to maintain their winning ways, we could be in for a fun game on Sunday.

Here are three bold predictions for this match.

Williams has had some ups and downs in his rookie season, which shouldn’t surprise anyone, even as the No. 1 overall pick. Williams threw four touchdowns in Week 6 against the Jaguars, but followed that up with a terrible performance last week against the Commanders, having just completed barely 40% of his passes. No wonder it has its ups and downs.

I believe that after such a poor performance, Williams will be ready to bounce back and win back the fans’ favor. The Cardinals’ defense is far from elite, probably closer to a speed bump, and the Bears have enough weapons to attack the unit.

Chicago’s offense hasn’t been consistent even outside of Williams, but you’d think all the weapons would eventually be in sync. I’m not sure Chicago will be nuclear on offense, but I expect Williams to bounce back and play quality football.

The Bears’ secondary has been a struggle this season, with YPG throwing just 199 passes and just five touchdown passes against seven interceptions. The main reason was Jaylon Johnson, who became one of the best corners in the NFL.

It’s unlikely that the Cardinals’ average pass rusher will take advantage of one of the best defenses in the league, and it’s even less likely that Harrison, who has been hot and cold all season, will find ways to consistently beat Johnson.

However, there is more than just Johnson in Chicago. Kyler Gordon is a top-notch corner and Tyreke Stevenson carries his weight. With cornerback Kevin Byard patrolling the defensive line, it’s no surprise that Chicago has proven to be a good pass defense.

That being said, Kyler Murray is still Kyler Murray, and he will still find a way to move the ball through the air, even if it’s not at an elite level. Harrison will get a lot of attention and Trey McBride will have his hands full at a good linebacker. That’s why I believe Wilson could have a good day.

I won’t go so far as to predict 100 yards and multiple touchdowns, but I will say that Wilson leads the team in rushing yards and will be Murray’s best option this week. His matches are much better than Harrison’s, even if not by a ton. Wilson will be the WR1 this week.

Chicago has a good pass defense and an average run defense, allowing 120 YPG on the ground and a whopping 4.7 YPC. And while the Bears have only given up one individual 100-yard rusher this season (Jonathan Taylor in Week 3), they’ve also given up some good days to other good running backs as well as some average backs.

The Bears will face one of the best teams in the NFL in the Cardinals, who are averaging 141.8 YPG plus an elite 5.2 YPC, ranking them second in the league. If I’m a Bears fan, I’m definitely thinking, “Uh-oh” about my defense’s chances of slowing down the Cards Run game.

Arizona’s ground game is led by James Conner, who is having another strong season as he has gained nearly 1,200 yards and scored nine touchdowns. With three 100-yard outings this season, Conner feels ready for a strong performance and certainly a rebound after averaging 2.7 YPC against the Dolphins last week.

If the Cardinals want to win this game, they will have to rely on Conner. If/when they do, he’ll hit the rock, help control the clock and be able to lead the Cardinals to a third straight win.