On Sunday Night Football, the Viking will travel to Soldier Field on the South Side of Chicago to take on the Bears. This Sunday Night Football matchup will kick off at 8:20 PM. ET.
The Bears are coming off their third straight victory of the season. In week 10, the Bears got off to an early lead against the Lions that they never relinquished. The Bears’ offense started off fast, scoring 26 straight points to start the game. Detroit did manage to make a small comeback late, but Chicago’s defense held the Lion’s in check. Chicago is now in the midst of their best season since reaching the NFC Championship in 2010.
The Vikings are coming off their bye week. Prior to their bye, the Vikings had won four of their previous five contests. In week 9, the Vikings faced off against the Lions. Against Detroit, the Vikings’ defense found their stride, holding the Lions to 9 points on the afternoon. This is the first of two meeting between Minnesota and Chicago this season. Chicago currently holds a slim, half-game lead over the Vikings due to a tie earlier in the season by Minnesota. Coming off their bye week, Minnesota is in an excellent position to make a move for first place in the NFC North.
Chicago is for real.
In a crowded NFC playoff field, the Bears are just one of a handful of teams that could play in the Super Bowl this season.
While a lot of attention is on the Los Angeles Rams and New Orleans Saints, perhaps no team is better positioned to contend than the Bears.
The Bears defense is downright dominant. In terms of yards allowed per game, the Bears rank fourth in the league according to NFL Stats. More importantly, the Bears defense ranks fourth in points allowed.
In a league that’s predicated more and more on offense, the Bears’ defense reminds opponents that defense is still king. The Bears are more than just defense, though. While their defense sets the tone, it’s their offense that puts them in the upper echelon of NFL contenders.
According to NFL Stats, the Bears’ offense ranks 5th in points scored, averaging 29.9 points per game. The Bears offense has opened up under quarterback, Mitchell Trubisky. On the season, Trubisky has thrown for 19 touchdowns to 7 interceptions. In week 10 against the Bears, Trubisky tossed three touchdowns to zero interceptions. Against a solid Minnesota defense, expect the Bears offense to be tested.
Can the Vikings overcome the Bears in the NFC North?
The Vikings will face the Bears one more time in the last week of the season. If all goes as planned, the Vikings and Bears will play for the NFC North crown in that game. The Vikings are currently a half game back of the Bears. It’s important that the Vikings beat Chicago in this game to get an early advantage in the series.
According to NFL Stats, the Vikings rank just behind the Bears in yards allowed per game. The Vikings’ defense has had their struggles this season. But since losing to the Rams in week four, the Vikings’ defense has allowed an average of 18.8 points per game.
The Vikings offense averages 24.6 points per game. Facing a Bears offense that averages almost five more points per game presents an offensive challenge for the Vikings. Through the last five games, the Vikings have averaged a total of 26.2 points per game. They’ll need to find a way to close the gap against one of the best teams in 2018 on the road.
Vikings Vs Bears Betting Lines
BetOnline.ag has the Bears favored to win the game by -2.5 points. The over/under on total points scored is 44. You can read our full BetOnline review here.
My Pick
The Vikings have a lot to play for as does the Bears. Coming off their bye week, expect the Vikings to have a slight edge given the extra time to prepare. However, the Bears are the home team and have a 4-1 record in 2018 at Soldier Field, having lost only to New England. Expect the Bears defense to keep the Vikings offense in check, while Chicago’s offense continues to roll.
Play: Bears -2.5 @ BetOnline.ag
Chicago Bears Betting Pick • Minnesota Vikings betting • NFL 2018 Betting Pick • Sunday Night Football Betting Pick