Arizona vs. Chicago
Arizona’s rush defense ranks eighth, allowing 96 yards per game. Their pass defense ranks No. 20, giving up 233 passing yards per game. Chicago’s passing defense ranks No. 12, giving up 199 yards per game. Their rush defense ranks No. 16, allowing 110 rushing yards per game.
Key Injuries:
ARI: WR Anquan Boldin (ankle), WR Steve Breaston (knee), LG Reggie Wells (thumb), DT Darnell Dockett (ankle), LB Gerald Hayes (back), FS Antrel Rolle (foot), CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (finger)
CHI: WR Devin Hester (ankle), TE Greg Olsen (ankle), DT Tommie Harris (knee), DE Adewale Ogunleye (ankle), LB Lance Briggs (shoulder), FS Daniel Manning (back)
Snapshot of Cardinals
Although the Cardinals wanted to balance their offense this season, they are the league’s worst rushing team, both in attempts and yards.
QB Kurt Warner continues to be the player that makes the offense run effectively, but has struggled in the past two weeks. Teams have not blitzed him often, but rather are playing zone against him. Against the Bears’ Cover 2 defense, don’t be surprised to see Warner struggle this week.
RB Tim Hightower continues to surprise, as he is leading all RBs in catches with 39 and is tied for fifth in rushing TDs with five. Look for the Cardinals to rely on him this week to get the offense going rather than WRs Larry Fitzgerald and Steve Breaston.
WR Anquan Boldin is battling an ankle injury and is likely a game-time decision, but it’s not looking good that he will start. Breaston is fighting a knee injury, but will take Boldin’s spot as the No. 2 WR, Jerheme Urban will take the No. 3 WR spot while Early Doucet will likely step up as the No. 4 WR.
Snapshot of Bears
Before last week, the Cardinals had one of the league’s best defenses against the run. Then the Carolina Panthers ran for 270 yards on them. Bears RB Matt Forte isn’t likely to replicate those kinds of numbers, and the Bears will likely throw the ball early and often this week.
After last week’s impressive effort, Forte will likely see quite a few carries early in the game. But if he’s unable to move the offense effectively against a great run defense, don’t be surprised to see the Bears throw the ball.
Against the Cardinals shaky secondary, don’t be surprised to see QB Jay Cutler have plenty of pass attempts. WR Devin Hester has improved in the past few weeks and should have no problem using his speed when matched up with Cardinals CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.
Hester and TE Greg Olsen are battling ankle injuries, but both are expected to play this week.
Green Light
QB Jay Cutler – should be able to throw the ball on a shaky pass defense
RB Tim Hightower – passing game may struggle, look for Hightower to get plenty of touches
WR Devin Hester – can use his speed to burn a pass defense that has a tendency to give up big plays
Red Light
QB Kurt Warner – will likely struggle against Chicago’s zone defense
RB Matt Forte – has been inconsistent this year and will likely struggle against a tough run defense
Carolina vs. New Orleans
The Panthers pass defense ranks first in the league, allowing 160 yards per game. Their rush defense ranks No. 24, giving up 127 yards per game. The Saints rush defense ranks No. 11, giving up 102 yards per game. Their pass defense ranks No. 17, allowing 223 yards per game.
Key Injuries:
CAR: QB Jake Delhomme (chest), RB Jonathan Stewart (heel), WR Muhsin Muhammad (knee), FS Charles Godfrey (ankle)
NO: WR Lance Moore (ankle), C Jonathan Goodwin (knee), LB Scott Fujita (calf)
Snapshot of Saints
The Saints continue to win with their balanced offense, utilizing a passing attack that ranks sixth while their running game ranks fourth. QB Drew Brees is the main focus of the Saints offense, but it will likely be up to the RBs to move the offense this week.
The Panthers pass defense is the best in the league and they have done a great job against some of the league’s best passing attacks. RB Pierre Thomas will be expected to carry the offense early and should have no problem racking up the yards.
If he’s able to be effective, look for the passing game to open up for Brees. The Saints have shown the ability to spread the ball around, and WR Marques Colston and TE Jeremy Shockey are the only two sure-fire starters in the passing game. WRs Devery Henderson, Lance Moore and Robert Meachem are all options for desperate owners only.
Snapshot of Panthers
Over the last few weeks, the Panthers passing game has begun to show signs of life. Twice in the last three weeks the team has rushed for over 265 yards. Expect them to continue the impressive run this week.
Their best chance of winning this week relies on keeping the Saints offense off the field. In order to do that, they must run the ball well, meaning that RBs DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart are both solid starters this week. Also worth noting is the fact that Saints DT Sedrick Ellis will miss the game, making their interior run defense even more vulnerable.
QB Jake Delhomme had an impressive game last week, including a 50-yard TD pass to WR Steve Smith. Delhomme will benefit from the success of the running game as it will keep the Saints from being aggressive in the passing game. If you need a spot starter at QB, Delhomme should be a solid option. Also, Smith appears to be a quality starting WR again.
Delhomme is working through a chest injury, but should be fine for the game. Stewart has a heel injury, but is expected to start and should see plenty of carries.
Green Light
RBs DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart – will be relied on to move the Panthers offense
RB Pierre Thomas – has a favorable matchup and will be relied on to open up the passing game
Red Light
QB Jake Delhomme – a good option if you’re looking at injuries or bye weeks, but don’t expect too much
WRs Devery Henderson and Lance Moore – the Saints spread the ball out too much to rely on them as solid options
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Article first appeared Nov. 6, 2009