Minnesota (8-2) is set to face Chicago (4-6) this Sunday at 1 p.m. EST on FOX. The Vikings are currently favored by 4.5 points according to BetMGM. In terms of performance against the spread, Minnesota holds a record of 7-3 while Chicago stands at 5-4-1. Historically, these teams have a competitive rivalry, with the Vikings leading the series 66-58-2. Their last encounter saw the Bears narrowly triumph over the Vikings with a score of 12-10 in Minneapolis on November 27, 2023. Last week, the Vikings secured a 23-13 victory against Tennessee, while the Bears fell short to Green Bay with a 20-19 loss.
Examining their statistics, the Vikings’ offense ranks overall at 15th place, 19th in rushing, 13th in passing, and 10th in scoring. On defense, they sit at 10th overall, boasting the league’s top rush defense while ranking 28th in pass defense and 4th in scoring defense. Conversely, the Bears are struggling offensively, sitting 29th overall, 22nd in rushing, 30th in passing, and 22nd in scoring. On the defensive side, Chicago ranks 14th overall, 23rd against the rush, 9th in pass defense, and 7th in scoring defense.
In terms of turnover differential, the Vikings currently have a +4 margin, while the Bears boast an impressive +9, indicative of their defensive efforts.
A key player to watch for the Vikings is right tackle Brian O’Neill. The veteran has been exceptional this season, conceding only one sack and no pressures over the past three games. For the Bears, keep an eye on quarterback Caleb Williams. The top draft pick showed improvement in his last game against Green Bay, completing 23 out of 31 passes for 231 yards and setting a personal best by rushing for 70 yards.
A crucial matchup will feature the Bears’ offensive line against the Vikings’ pass rush. Minnesota’s defense performed impressively, collecting five sacks in their last game without relying on blitzing. The formidable trio of Andrew Van Ginkel, Jonathan Greenard, and Patrick Jones have combined for 22 sacks so far, positioning them to potentially have three players achieve double-digit sacks in a single season for the first time since 1989. The Vikings ranks third in the NFL with a total of 35 sacks, while Chicago’s Williams has been sacked a staggering 41 times, leading the league in that statistic.
In terms of injuries, the Vikings may be without tight end Josh Oliver due to an ankle sprain sustained against Tennessee, putting his playing status for this week into question. On the Bears’ side, running back D’Andre Swift (groin) missed practice on Wednesday and his availability is uncertain. Offensive line issues continue as left guard Teven Jenkins (ankle) missed the last game, and Ryan Bates (concussion) exited early from the previous game. Safety Elijah Hicks (ankle) was also injured against Green Bay.
Historically, Minnesota had a strong streak against Chicago, winning five consecutive matchups and six out of the last seven before a defeat at home last season on a Monday night. Cairo Santos made a significant impact in that game with four field goals, the final one being a 30-yarder that secured the Bears’ win, while the Vikings struggled with four interceptions thrown by Joshua Dobbs.
As for statistics, the Vikings aim to maintain their three-game winning streak, trailing division leader Detroit by a single game in the NFC North. This matchup marks the first of two games within four weeks, with a subsequent meeting scheduled for December 16 at Minnesota. Under coach Kevin O’Connell, the Vikings have an impressive record of 24-2 when they maintain a plus or even turnover margin. Justin Jefferson recently set a new NFL record for receiving yards in the first five seasons, eclipsing Torry Holt’s previous record, while quarterback Sam Darnold has already achieved career-best numbers in multiple categories. The Vikings defense leads the league with 16 interceptions, with contributions from eight different players.
On the Bears’ side, they have faced challenges, losing four consecutive games. Their close loss last week was marked by a blocked field goal attempt that sealed their fate against Green Bay. Additionally, Chicago has struggled in one-possession games under coach Matt Eberflus. However, there were some positives in their last performance, including 391 yards gained and a dominating time of possession. The Bears’ defense excels in red zone efficiency, allowing only 40.6% of opponents’ trips to result in touchdowns, while their offense is turning the ball over less frequently, with no turnovers in the last three games.
As for fantasy implications, keep in mind Jefferson’s consistent performance against the Bears, amassing impressive yardage and touchdowns across his career against them.