Dec 21, 2021, 11:06 am ET in NFL
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Expert Top Pick of the Day: Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears

Expert Top Pick of the Day: Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears

In the second game in the NFL this Monday, the Vikings will visit Soldier Field in Chicago for this divisional matchup. Minnesota hopes to stay alive in the playoff picture as they currently sit ninth in the NFC, a half-game behind New Orleans. A win would keep them in contention for the final playoff spot.

The NFC North has already been decided, as yesterday Green Bay became the first team in the league to clinch a division title. Chicago sits at 4-9 but has not been mathematically eliminated from the playoffs. They’re hoping to gain some pride in this game at home as their playoff window is almost closed.

Minnesota Vikings vs.Chicago Bears Schedule

  • Date: Monday, December 20
  • Time: 7:15 PM CST
  • Location: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL

Vikings Hope To Stay Alive

The Vikings are looking for their second straight win as they come into Chicago to face a Bears team struggling to win at home. Minnesota is currently 7-6 and is second in the NFC North. This team has been very competitive all season, with none of their losses being decided by more than eight points.

They look like a much better team on paper, with QB Kirk Cousins having a decent season so far, throwing for 3,569 yards, 27 touchdowns, and only five interceptions.

Dalvin Cook should go over 1,000 rushing for the season in this game, averaging 4.9 yards per carry. Justin Jefferson leads the team in receiving yards with 1,288 and has eight touchdowns. 

The team could also get back another offensive weapon for this game. WR Adam Thielen is questionable and could play after missing last week’s game with an ankle injury. 

Bears Need a Win at Home

The Chicago Bears have been inconsistent all season, especially at home, where they started the season 2-0, but have lost their last four games.

The defense was torched by Aaron Rodgers last week in the loss to Green Bay, as they gave up 341 yards passing and four touchdowns. In addition, they will be missing five members of their secondary in this game.

Tashaun Gipson, Jaylon Johnson, Duke Shelley, Eddie Jackson, and Xavier Crawford will all be on the sidelines Monday night, making it a tough task for this defense to contain the Vikings’ passing game.

On offense, QB Andy Dalton will be out of this game after being placed on Covid-19 protocol, as were four of the five DB’s mentioned previously. QB Justin Fields will replace Dalton for the Bears as he is 0-4 in games he’s started this season.

Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears Odds comparison

Minnesota is 1-4 against the spread vs. NFC North opponents in their last five games, and the total has gone over in five of the previous six games for the Vikings.

Chicago is 1-7 straight up and against the spread in their last eight games. The total has gone under in six of their last seven games against Minnesota at home.

  • DraftKings has the Colts at -300 on a spread of -7, and the game total is 45.
  • FanDuel has the Colts at -290 on a spread of -6.5, and the total is 45. 
  • Caesars has the Colts at -290 on a spread of -7, and the total is 45.

Godds Pick or Prediction of the Game

The Vikings should have an easy night offensively against the Bears’ struggling defense and should move the ball effectively both on the ground and through the air.

Chicago hopes to turn around their performances at home and gain some pride if they can figure out how to win this game.
Godds Pick/Prediction: Vikings will win, and the total goes over.