The NFL’s top rusher, Adrian Peterson (1,251 yards, 9 TDs), will be on display when the Minnesota Vikings (8-5) meet the Chicago Bears (5-8). While Minnesota had its share of success this season, the team has struggled lately, losing three of its last five. The game will begin Sunday, Dec 20 at 1:00 p.m. ET and can be seen on FOX.
Minnesota won a tight one against Chicago 23-20 in a Week 8 meeting between these two teams. Adrian Peterson had an outstanding performance on the ground in that game, gaining 103 yards on 20 carries. Stefon Diggs had a big game as well, totaling 95 yards and a TD on six receptions. Alshon Jeffery had a great outing for Chicago, registering 10 catches for 116 yards and one TD. Jay Cutler had a big day as well, contributing 211 yards and a TD through the air.
Minnesota is a five-point favorite in this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is 43 points.
Heading into Week 15 of league action, the Vikings are 8-5 Straight Up (SU) and 10-3 Against The Spread (ATS). Over their last five games, the Vikings have records of 2-3 SU and 3-2 ATS. The Vikings have the league’s fifth-ranked rushing offense with 131.8 yards per game. Transitioning to the Minnesota defense, there are some things to consider when it is on the field. Chicago averages 3.5 yards per carry on the road, ranking 26th in the league. Based on its tendencies, the Chicago defense might give up an early score. The Bears allow their opponents an average of 6.8 points in the first 15 minutes, more than any other team in the league. For Minnesota, special teams has provided an extra spark. They average the most return yards in the NFL with 111.2 per game.
Moving to the road team, the Bears have a record of 7-6 ATS and 5-8 SU. In the previous five games, Chicago has a record of 2-3 SU and 3-2 ATS as well. The Bears keep the ball on the ground. On average, they run 29.6 times per game. The Bears look to exploit Minnesota’s subpar offense, which averages 19 points per home game. Opponents have had issues with Chicago’s second-ranked pass defense, which gives up 215.8 passing yards per game. Chicago has an average time of possession of 32:38 this season, ranking fifth in the league.
Predictions: SU Winner – Min, ATS Winner – Min, O/U – Over
Notes
Minnesota is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota’s last 7 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Minnesota’s last 7 games at home.
Minnesota is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games at home.
Minnesota is 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games when playing Chicago.
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Minnesota’s last 8 games when playing Chicago.
Minnesota is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games when playing Chicago.
Minnesota is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Chicago.
Minnesota is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games when playing at home against Chicago.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota’s last 6 games when playing at home against Chicago.
Chicago is 2-1 SU when leading at the start of the fourth quarter this season. Minnesota is 7-0 SU when carrying a lead into the fourth quarter.
This season, Minnesota is 4-1 SU in games where it loses the turnover battle.
The Chicago pass defense is ranked second in the league, while the Minnesota passing attack is ranked only 31st. The Bears’ passing game is ranked just 20th, compared to the eighth-ranked pass defense of the Vikings.
