In the battle of teams in positions to select a high, first round pick in the next draft, one must win between the Arizona Cardinals (3-11) and Chicago Bears today (5-9).
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!As things stand, Arizona would finish with the No. 3 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, behind the New England Patriots (3-11) and Carolina Panthers (2-12).
However, with the Panthers sitting in last place in the league, the Bears do own Carolina’s top pick this year and could very well end up with the first overall selection come season’s end.
For the game itself, this is a matchup between two of the more mobile quarterbacks in the league: Kyler Murray (Cardinals) vs. Justin Fields (Chicago).
Fields is the current passing leader and rushing leader out of any Bear while Murray has displayed flashes since returning from an ACL injury since in November.
TE Trey McBride will continue to increase the number of receptions by a Cardinals tight end, surpassing Jackie Smith and Zach Ertz’s 56-catch mark in a single season. McBride broke the franchise record on his first reception against the San Francisco 49ers last week.
Especially with star WR Marquise Brown (heel) ruled out, McBride is destined to be targeted even more by Murray.
Being Chicago’s elite receiver, WR D.J. Moore should get more touches today as he has crossed the 100-yard or greater plateau three times this year.
It is still up in the air as to what type of Arizona defense shows up to Soldier Field. Last week, Arizona was blown out 45-29 by the 49ers on Dec.17.
On the flip side, the Bears are 3-2 in their last five games, most recently falling 20-17 to the Cleveland Browns last Sunday.
Commencing on a foggy day in the “Windy City,” the weather may also be a factor in this tilt of two historic franchises.
History
In the oldest rivalry in NFL history, the Cardinals are 27-59-6 all-time against the Bears.
All the way back on Nov. 28, 1920, the first matchup ever between the Racine Cardinals (Arizona) and the Decatur Staleys (Chicago) resulted in a Cardinals win, 7-6.
Fast forward to two seasons ago, Arizona won 33-22 back on Dec. 5, 2021 with Murray completing 11-15 yards for 123 yards, throwing two touchdown passes and scoring a 3-yard rushing TD. Ex-Bear Andy Dalton threw four interceptions and Cardinals kicker Matt Prater scored nine points from three field goals made.
In the past six matchups between these two squads, the away team has one six-straight times. Arizona is on the road, and are 3-2 agains the Bears in their last five meetings.
Stats Leaders
Passing
- Cardinals – QB Kyler Murray: 105-169, 1075 yards, 4 TD, 4 interceptions
- Bears – QB Justin Fields: 181-295, 1976 yards, 14 TD, 8 interceptions.
Rushing
- Cardinals – RB James Conner: 143 carries, 717 yards, 5 TD.
- Bears – QB Justin Fields: 96 carries, 488 yards, 2 TD.
Receiving
- Cardinals – TE Trey McBride: 66 receptions, 712 yards, 2 TD.
- Bears – WR D.J. Moore: 80 receptions, 1123 yards, 7 TD
Where to Watch
The Arizona Cardinals will face the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field at 2:25 p.m. MST on FOX.
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Alec Cipollini covers the Arizona Coyotes and Cardinals for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account @AlecCipollini
