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10/16/06
Chicago Bears Invade Phoenix
The Chicago Bears (5-0 SU & 4-1 ATS) are off to their best start since 1986, as they put their unbeaten record on the line when they meet the Arizona Cardinals (1-4 SU & ATS) at University of Phoenix Stadium on MNF.
Last week, the Bears routed the Buffalo Bills 40-7 displaying their season-long domination on both sides of the ball. The Bears scored the first five times they touched the ball en route to a 27-0 halftime lead, and came within 66 seconds of posting their first home shutout since 1993. Chicago is averaging 31.2 ppg while giving up just 7.2 ppg to lead the league in both categories. Overall, the defense is allowing 234.6 ypg, good for third in the league.
In a career that had been marked by season-ending injuries, Grossman finally is emerging as one of the league's best young passers. Named the NFC offensive player of the month for September by the NFL, he's completed 61.2 percent of his passes (93 of 152) for 1,243 yards.
Matt Leinart, the 2004 Heisman Trophy winner making his second career start, knows he's in for a test. Leinart made a successful debut as a starter in a 23-20 loss to Kansas City last Sunday, completing 22 of 35 passes for 253 yards and two TDs. He also won praise from his teammates for his poise.
Playing its first Monday night game since 1999, Arizona is trying to avoid losing its fifth straight game. Making things more difficult, Leinart will be without one of his top wide receivers.
WR Larry Fitzgerald suffered a hamstring injury making a short touchdown catch, and will miss the next 2 to 5 weeks.
The third overall pick in 2004, Fitzgerald had a breakout season last year when he tied Carolina's Steve Smith for the league lead with 103 receptions. Fitzgerald finished with 1,403 receiving yards -- the fourth-highest single-season total in team history -- and 10 touchdowns.
Leinart now will lean more on Boldin, who has 28 catches for 336 yards. Bryant Johnson, one of two first-round picks by Arizona in 2003, has just 10 catches but is averaging 22.7 yards per reception.
Running back Edgerrin James, meanwhile, continues to struggle in his first season with the Cardinals, but playing before a national television audience may get him going. A five-time 1,000-yard rusher, he's averaging just 68.6 yards this season but seems to save his best games for Monday nights. In seven career games on Monday, James has rushed for 100 yards five times and scored three touchdowns in a game twice.
Chicago has lost four consecutive Monday night games SU, but has won four of its last five meetings against Arizona. The Cardinals are 1-5-1 SU on Monday nights since 1977.
Notable game trends:
- Bears are 4-1-2 ATS vs. a team with a losing record.
- Bears are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a SU win.
- Bears are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a favorite.
- Cardinals are 1-6 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
- Cardinals are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 vs. NFC.
Prediction - Arizona 14 Chicago 24
All odds mentioned in The Royal Post are available thru, BetRoyal Click Here, for your sportsbook needs today. Use name of site you saw The Royal Post as a referral and get up to 50% in sign up Bonuses and NO JUICE on your favorite NFL or College Football team.
Chicago Bears Invade Phoenix
The Chicago Bears (5-0 SU & 4-1 ATS) are off to their best start since 1986, as they put their unbeaten record on the line when they meet the Arizona Cardinals (1-4 SU & ATS) at University of Phoenix Stadium on MNF.
Last week, the Bears routed the Buffalo Bills 40-7 displaying their season-long domination on both sides of the ball. The Bears scored the first five times they touched the ball en route to a 27-0 halftime lead, and came within 66 seconds of posting their first home shutout since 1993. Chicago is averaging 31.2 ppg while giving up just 7.2 ppg to lead the league in both categories. Overall, the defense is allowing 234.6 ypg, good for third in the league.
In a career that had been marked by season-ending injuries, Grossman finally is emerging as one of the league's best young passers. Named the NFC offensive player of the month for September by the NFL, he's completed 61.2 percent of his passes (93 of 152) for 1,243 yards.
Matt Leinart, the 2004 Heisman Trophy winner making his second career start, knows he's in for a test. Leinart made a successful debut as a starter in a 23-20 loss to Kansas City last Sunday, completing 22 of 35 passes for 253 yards and two TDs. He also won praise from his teammates for his poise.
Playing its first Monday night game since 1999, Arizona is trying to avoid losing its fifth straight game. Making things more difficult, Leinart will be without one of his top wide receivers.
WR Larry Fitzgerald suffered a hamstring injury making a short touchdown catch, and will miss the next 2 to 5 weeks.
The third overall pick in 2004, Fitzgerald had a breakout season last year when he tied Carolina's Steve Smith for the league lead with 103 receptions. Fitzgerald finished with 1,403 receiving yards -- the fourth-highest single-season total in team history -- and 10 touchdowns.
Leinart now will lean more on Boldin, who has 28 catches for 336 yards. Bryant Johnson, one of two first-round picks by Arizona in 2003, has just 10 catches but is averaging 22.7 yards per reception.
Running back Edgerrin James, meanwhile, continues to struggle in his first season with the Cardinals, but playing before a national television audience may get him going. A five-time 1,000-yard rusher, he's averaging just 68.6 yards this season but seems to save his best games for Monday nights. In seven career games on Monday, James has rushed for 100 yards five times and scored three touchdowns in a game twice.
Chicago has lost four consecutive Monday night games SU, but has won four of its last five meetings against Arizona. The Cardinals are 1-5-1 SU on Monday nights since 1977.
Notable game trends:
- Bears are 4-1-2 ATS vs. a team with a losing record.
- Bears are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a SU win.
- Bears are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a favorite.
- Cardinals are 1-6 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
- Cardinals are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 vs. NFC.
Prediction - Arizona 14 Chicago 24
All odds mentioned in The Royal Post are available thru, BetRoyal Click Here, for your sportsbook needs today. Use name of site you saw The Royal Post as a referral and get up to 50% in sign up Bonuses and NO JUICE on your favorite NFL or College Football team.