Sunday night features a vital matchup between 2 NFC North rivals that will decide the immediate control of the division. The Vikings lead the all time series 60-51-2, and have won 6 of the last 7 matchups.
The Vikings coming in having won 4 of their last 5, most recently a 24-9 win over Detroit in week 9 prior to their week 10 bye week. In week 7, they beat the Jets 37-17, and lost 30-20 to the Saints in week 8.
The Bears have won 3 straight, most recently a 34-22 win over the Lions. In week 8, the Bears beat the Jets 24-10, and throttled the Bills 41-9 in week 9.
Bovada has the Bears as 3 point favourites with an O/U of 45.
After a shaky start to the season, the Vikings are playing much better football as of late. Kirk Cousin is among the league leaders in passing, completing 71.3% of his passes for an average of 7.4 yards per attempt. In total, he has 2685 yards, 17 TDs and 5 INTs. The duo of Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs has been incredibly effective thus far. Thielen is tied for the league lead in receptions (78), 3rd in yards (947), and t-3rd in TDs (7). Diggs, while he has missed a game, has 58 catches for 587 yards and 4 TDs. While their run game has not been a major threat, Latavius Murray has been effective enough, averaging 4.5 yards per carry for 417 yards and 5 TDs, and the Vikings will be boosted by the return of Dalvin Cook.
The Vikings took a while to find their footing defensively, but are returning to the look of their 2017 dominance. They are just outside the top 10 in PPG allowed, giving up 22.7 PPG, and their pass defense is 12th giving up 233.3 yards per game and just 12 TDs (t-2nd). The Vikings are average in terms of turnovers forced with 8 interceptions and 6 recovered fumbles, and are tied for the league lead in sacks with 31.
Injuries and Inactive Watch
CB Xavier Rhodes (foot) – questionable
WR Adam Thielen (back) – questionable
LB Anthony Barr (hamstring) – questionable
Matt Nagy has this Bears offense playing efficiently and taking advantage of good field position. Mitchell Trubisky has been so-so this year, but is markedly improved from his rookie season. Trubisky is completing 65.5% of his passes at an average of 7.9 YPA. He has thrown for 2304 yards, 19 TDs and 7 INTs. The Bears offense spreads the ball around to a variety of targets, and 4 players (Tarik Cohen, Taylor Gabriel, Trey Burton, Allen Robinson) have 30+ receptions and 400+ yards. Cohen is their leading receiver, lining up in a variety of places with 37 receptions for 435 yards and 3 TDs. Allen Robinson showed out after his return from injury, and now has 31 catches for 418 yards and 4 TDs. Jordan Howard is the teams leading rusher with 137 carries for 460 yards and 5 TDs, but Cohen provides a nice change of pace with 56 carries for 244 yards and 2 TDs.
The Bears defense has been one of the stories of the season. They are 4th in points allowed at 19.4 PPG and 13th in terms of passing, allowing 235.6 yards per game and 17 TDs. Their run defense is arguably the best in the league, allowing 84 yards per game (2nd) and just 2 TDs (1st). They are among the best in forcing turnovers, having picked off 16 passes and recovered 8 fumbles, and are 5th in sacks with 30.
Injuries and Inactive Watch
TE Dion Sims (concussion) – questionable
G Kyle Long (foot) – out
In such an important game for both sides, you have to imagine emotions will be high and this game will be back and forth. Kirk Cousins has been impressive this season, and the matchups between Thielen/Diggs and the Bears secondary will be must watch TV. The Vikings have done a nice job of taking care of the ball, but the Bears are always a threat to create a big play, and the Vikings offensive line has struggled this season.
Mike Zimmer and the Vikings are coming off a bye week, meaning his defensive gameplan should be well thought out against a sneaky good Bears offense. The Bears O-line has been among the best in the league, so I wouldn’t imagine the Vikings pass rush will play too much of a role, but must create a few plays to get Trubisky off balance and afraid to push the ball. Trubisky is also a huge threat as a runner, so the Vikings must be prepared to handle his legs. The Bears have not beaten a team that is over .500 yet this season, and I think the Vikes are trending upwards. We think this game comes down to the wire, and we are taking the Vikings to cover.
Final Pick: Vikings (+3)
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