Prepare for an exciting afternoon of football as the Minnesota Vikings (8-2; 7-3-0 ATS) clash with the Chicago Bears (4-6; 5-4-1 ATS) for the first time this season. The matchup will take place at Soldier Field, with kickoff scheduled for 1:00 p.m. EST. Last year’s rivalry saw the visiting team triumph in both encounters. Will history repeat itself for Minnesota, or can the Bears reclaim their home turf?
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Who will emerge victorious in this NFC North showdown? Keep reading for insights on the Vikings vs. Bears matchup.
Revitalized Vikings Defense Shines Bright
The Vikings have established themselves as a formidable defensive unit, allowing only three teams to score 20 points or more this season. After a challenging four-week stretch that produced a 2-2 record, they have bounced back with three consecutive wins, holding opponents to an impressive 11.0 points per game during this streak. This season, their opposition averages just 17.0 points per game, ranking as the fourth-lowest in the league. Minnesota leads the league in fewest rushing yards allowed per game and ranks second in yards allowed per carry. In terms of pass defense, they give up 7.0 yards per attempt, placing them 15th overall. With 35 sacks (3rd in the league), they consistently pressure opposing offenses. They also share the second spot for most takeaways, with 21. The Vikings’ defensive prowess will be crucial this Sunday.
On the offensive side, Minnesota averages 24.4 points per game, which ranks 10th in the NFL. They achieve 5.5 yards per play, placing them 14th. Although Sam Darnold’s starting role was not guaranteed initially, he has stepped up, averaging 8.1 yards per pass attempt, tying for sixth among all qualified quarterbacks. However, he has thrown 10 interceptions (4th-most) and has been sacked 28 times out of 29 allowed. The Vikings’ running game averages 4.0 yards per carry (26th). Protecting the ball remains a challenge for this offense, but with a fully fit Justin Jefferson, they pose a significant threat. Will they deliver a standout performance in Chicago?
Key Injuries – Josh Oliver (questionable)
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Bears Face Tough Decisions Ahead
After parting ways with offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, the Bears aimed to ignite their stagnant offense. Unfortunately, this decision was followed by a loss to their rivals, sealed by a last-minute blocked field goal. While the coaching change may have been a signal, the offensive line remains a significant concern. The Bears rank last in yards per play, with first overall pick Caleb Williams experiencing the highest number of sacks in the league. They sit 22nd in yards per carry and 28th in yards per pass attempt, averaging just 19.4 points per game (22nd). On a positive note, they have recorded the fourth-fewest turnovers (8) this season. Nonetheless, this disciplined ball security has not translated into scoring, with the Bears unable to reach 20 points in their last four games.
Defensively, the Bears have shown resilience. They limit opponents to 18.7 points per game (7th) and have allowed only one team to score more than 21 points. With 17 takeaways (tied for 7th), they effectively disrupt opposing drives. However, this defense allows an average of 4.8 yards per carry (27th) and 7.4 yards per pass attempt (21st), with 25 sacks placing them 15th. They rank as one of the top teams on third downs this season. Their defense has done enough to keep them competitive. Will they provide the offense another opportunity to shine this Sunday?
Key Injuries – D’Andre Swift (questionable); Ryan Bates (questionable); Elijah Hicks (questionable)
Best Bets for Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears
