NFL Bargain Bets for Week 9
November 5th 2009 - Old Man Winner             

Arizona Cardinals (+3) at Chicago Bears

I think the oddsmakers may have transposed this spread. The Cardinals should definitely be the favorite in this game. I guess you could say the oddsmakers are just "Bearish" on the Redbirds!

OK, Kurt Warner finally got his 6 turnover game out of the way for this year. That is getting to be just about as regular as my doctor asking me to bend over and cough. But after a week of everyone questioning his age, his mobility, and his degrading skills he usually follows that up with a game that proves he is still Kurt Warner . . . the other old guy that can still throw the ball and win games.

Although both Boldin and Breaston have been banged up Warner still should be able to distribute the ball to a wealth of receiving talent, not the least of which is Tim Hightower who has been projecting Larry Centers all year. And they should have no trouble doing it against a diminishing Bear secondary whose reputation is clearly better than the players on the field. The Cardinals run game is even beginning to show signs of life with Beanie Wells toting the rock.

As for the Bears, they have changed their whole offensive persona from a year ago (and their hallowed origin). They are now a passing team with a gunslinging QB at the helm. The days of Matt Forte projecting Walter Payton are over. Forte has yet to show his rookie season brilliance and he keeps wondering where last year's running gaps have gone. Yes, the Cardinal rush defense was torched last week, but by the #5 rushing team in the league. Chicago's rushing attack currently ranks 26th. Lastly, Devin Hester is looking very questionable for the game, which would just add injury to my insults.

I expect the Cardinals to jump out to an early lead, then give some of it back before winning this game handily.

Other games I also love: NE, Carolina, Indy, and Tenn. I also like the Over in the Hou/Ind Ari/Chi, and NYG/SD and the Under in the SF/Tenn and Den/Pitt games.