Where: University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Ariz. (indoors)
When: Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET (Fox)
Spread: Bears by 5 1/2
Records: Bears (8-6; NFC North 2-3); Cardinals (5-9, NFC West 1-4)
Past results: Two most recent meetings -- Nov. 8, 2009, Cardinals 41, Bears 21; Oct. 16, 2006, Bears 24, Cardinals 23. Series record: Bears lead 57-27-6.
What matters: Arizona bounced back from its worst loss in team history -- which capped a nine-game slide -- with its best game of the season. The Cardinals were thought to be zombies at this point, but a still-talented defense rose to the occasion in a 38-10 win over Detroit, and that helped head coach Ken Whisenhunt cool off his scorching seat to a mere simmer. Arizona's playoff chances were dashed weeks ago, but having been so low -- the 58-0 loss to Seattle that preceeded the thrashing of Matthew Stafford -- the Cardinals took real pleasure in the victory. It was the kind of emotional display that, if harnessed correctly, could help Arizona close out the season with a little pride.
Who matters: QB Jay Cutler. For one brief moment last week against Green Bay, it looked like Cutler had chased back the demons that seemed to be creeping up in a two-game losing streak. He found Brandon Marshall for a 15-yard touchdown, giving the Bears a 7-0 lead, and it appeared that maybe Chicago had found its way out of its funk. Well, the two-game losing streak is now a three-game slide. Cutler failed to find his way back to glory, completing just 12 of 21 passes for 135 yards against the Packers, with 11 of the catches being made by Marshall and running back Matt Forte. He'll need to look elsewhere a little more for the Bears to get back on track.
Key matchups: Bears wide receivers vs. Cardinals defensive backfield: Although Calvin Johnson got his expected 100-plus yards, CB Patrick Peterson and the defensive backfield capitalized on Detroit mistakes time and time again. Cutler has shown a propensity to try to win games himself, and Arizona DBs will have to be strong at the line of scrimmage to bait him into difficult throws. As they proved against the Lions, one or two big plays can completely change the game.
Injuries of note: Arizona WR Early Doucet (concussion) is out and several players, including tight end Rob Housler, safety James Sanders and cornerback Greg Toler, are listed as questionable. Bears LB Brian Urlacher (hamstring) will miss his third straight game. ... Chicago OL Jonathan Scott (hamstring) is expected to miss the game.
Inside stuff: The Cardinals went more than two games without an offensive touchdown until Beanie Wells scored early in the second quarter against the Lions. Then he tacked on two more touchdowns, including a 31-yard run. That was an indication that he's growing more comfortable after yet another long absence. Wells' toe injury kept him sidelined for seven games, but a big finish could convince the Cardinals to keep their faith in him.
Stat you should know: Arizona's 38 points against the Lions were a bit deceiving; Detroit put up more than 100 yards more than the Cardinals. For the year, Arizona ranks 32nd in rushing (80 yards per game) and 29th in passing (184.2 ypg).
Looking ahead: The Cardinals end their season in San Francisco with a tough road matchup against the streaking 49ers.
Prediction: Bears 21, Cardinals 13.
For more news and analysis from Cardinals blogger Jon Gold, follow @CBSCardinals on Twitter.
