Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings Betting Preview

Both the Chicago Bears (6-7) and the Minnesota Vikings (6-7) are clinging onto postseason hopes as the two NFC North rivals square off with one another on Sunday. The Vikings will host this one at U.S. Bank Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 1:00 pm ET.
These teams are chasing the Arizona Cardinals (7-6) for the final playoff spot. With only two weeks left, this is likely a do or die situation when it comes to their playoff hopes.
After six dreaded weeks of losing, the Chicago Bears finally ended their skid with a 36-7 blowout of the Houston Texans last week. Since reclaiming the starting position, Mitch Trubisky has looked solid and threw for 267 yards and three touchdowns in the victory.
It is worth noting that neither Mitch Trubisky nor running back David Montgomery played the last time these two met up, which ended in a 19-13 Vikings win.
After starting the season 0-3, the Vikings have turned around their season and have gone 6-4 since. Unfortunately, they were unable to take down Tom Brady and the Buccaneers last week but will look to Dalvin Cook, Justin Jefferson, and Adam Thielen to once again take down the Bears.
The Vikings come in as the slight favorite in this one. They are -158 to win this one, while the Bears’ moneyline is +134. The spread features Chicago +3 while the over/under for total points is 46.5.
By The Numbers
Offensively, Minnesota has been the stronger of the two teams this season. They rank 14th in the NFL in points per game at 25.6. The Bears fall to 25th overall averaging 21.7 points per game.
Defensively, it has been the Bears who have been the better team in terms of scoring defense. They rank 9th overall, allowing just 22.4 points per game to opponents. The Vikings rank 24th, allowing 27.3 points per game.
Bears Hoping To Keep Playoff Hopes Alive
If the Bears miss out on the playoffs, they have no one to blame but themselves after losing six straight matchups. If they can somehow sneak into the playoffs, though, it will undoubtedly help ease the pain of the losing streak.
Back under center for the Bears is Mitch Trubisky. He did not play in the last matchup with the Vikings as that was Nick Foles’ last start, one that saw him leave the game on a cart with an injury.
Trubisky has certainly looked better since returning and gives the Bears the best chance to win this one. Another player who has looked better since returning from an injury is running back David Montgomery. Montgomery rushed 11 times for 113 yards and a touchdown in last week’s win while also catching three passes for 42 yards.
Defensively, the Bears are led by Roquan Smith (85 tackles), Khalil Mack (7.5 sacks), and Tashaun Gipson (2 interceptions). Unfortunately, they will be without defensive backs Jaylen Johnson and Deon Bush against Minnesota’s top-end wide receivers.
Vikings Hope To Take Both Games From Bears
Like the Bears, the Vikings hope to stay in the playoff picture and would love nothing more than to do it at the expense of the Bears. After winning the first matchup, the Vikings will look to sweep the regular season from the Bears.
Under center is Kirk Cousins. On the season, he has thrown for 3,298 yards, 27 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
Cousins has the advantage of having one of the best wide receiver tandems in the NFL. Rookie Justin Jefferson (1,078 yards, seven touchdowns) and Adam Thielen (760 yards, 12 touchdowns) are a matchup nightmare for any defense, especially one missing a couple of defensive backs.
The Vikings also have arguably the best running back in the league in Dalvin Cook. He has rushed 273 times for 1,352 yards and 14 touchdowns this season. He has also caught 37 passes for 322 yards and another score.
Taking Chicago And The Points
While Minnesota is certainly better than the Houston Texans, the Bears are a better team right now than when they lost by just six to the Vikings a few weeks ago. For my money, I am taking the Bears +3 in Sunday’s matchup.