Will the Vikings stay in the playoff race?
Desperation vs. hope is the duel the NFL has in store for us on Monday when the Minnesota Vikings take on the Chicago Bears. While Minnesota still has a chance to make the playoffs, Chicago’s chances could be shattered this week.
Another loss (their eighth in the last nine games) would end their playoff dreams for good. But that wouldn’t come as a surprise now, given the way the franchise has been performing for weeks now.
Originally offensively, the Bears are a farce right now and putting all the burden on the shoulders of rookie quarterback Justin Fields is not the best of decisions. As a result, head coach Matt Nagy is also facing criticism in Chicago.
The Vikings, on the other hand, are two wins better off and still have hope. But for that they should play well until the end of a game. All of their seven losses have come in one-score games. For Chicago vs. Minnesota, our prediction is a Vikings win, which should be closer than expected, though.
Kickoff of the Monday Night Game of NFL Match Week 15 is on Tuesday night at 02.15 in
Chicago. The match can be watched live on DAZN.
Chicago Bears – Statistics & current form
The Bears actually had a positive record once this season. At 3-2, some fans probably thought it could be a good season. But since then they could only win one game and that only 16:14 against the Lions.
So in the end, the only question is when their theoretical play-off chances will vanish into thin air and how the Bears will go into the games afterwards. Trying out or really playing to win.
Bears offensively and defensively deficient
There are so many holes in the Bears this season, even Bob the Builder couldn’t save much. Offensively they score only 17.8 points and 302.5 yards. The yardage figure is the second weakest of all NFL teams.
But defensively, Chicago is also far from the dominance of years past, especially in recent weeks. Since the Week 5 win, they’re conceding 29 points per game, which is clearly too much to even begin to make up for their weak offense.
Is Justin Fields Chicago’s future?
Another question on the Bears’ side is the future of rookie Justin Fields. Will they hold onto him after this season? With a QB rating of 69.3, he ranks just 31st among all quarterbacks, which doesn’t necessarily bode well for him.
While he should have opportunities against the fragile Vikings defence, it’s questionable whether he can take advantage of them. Especially when it comes to touchdowns, the Bears have stumbled a lot lately.
So we expect one or the other field goal, but that should not be enough for a win in the end. So both the odds on Minnesota and on over three field goals in total are to be taken advantage of in Bears vs. Vikings.
Key Players:
QB: Justin Fields
RB: David Montgomery
WR: Darnell Mooney
TE: Jimmy Graham
K: Cairo Santos
Minnesota Vikings – stats & recent form
The Vikings are struggling this season, you have to hand it to them. But whether that fight will be rewarded with playoff qualification in the end is questionable. Not because they don’t have the potential for it, but because they always somehow beat themselves.
Even an interim 29:0 against the Steelers in the previous week almost went out of their hands in the end. That could be enough in the two remaining games against Chicago, but the Rams or Packers will be difficult to beat.
Vikings need a little miracle
They will have to beat one of these two heavyweights to make it into the postseason, possibly both. One thing is certain, though: Monday’s game in Chicago is a must-win for them.
They will probably have to do without Adam Thielen again, who is still injured in his ankle and already missed the game against Pittsburgh. He should still be able to play against the Bears, even though he will not be able to play.
Defence as a problem child
With Justin Jefferson they have one of the top receivers of the season in their ranks. He has already racked up 1288 yards, which ranks second behind the outstanding Cooper Kupp. A loss of Thielen should be bearable.
However, since we don’t want to predict whether the Vikings defence will finally hold, we would prefer a bet on more than three field goals as the No.1 bet on Bears vs. Vikings. Their defence has allowed at least 28 points in each of the last four games – even against Detroit it was 29.
Key Players:
QB: Kirk Cousins
RB: Alexander Mattison
WR: Adam Thielen
WR: Justin Jefferson
K: Greg Joseph
Chicago Bears – Minnesota Vikings Head-to-head comparison / H2H record
The last direct duels were always very close matches. The past three meetings were even all decided within one score. With the Vikings seen ahead by an average of 6.0 points, handicap betting on them is difficult, although quite possible due to the Bears’ weakness.
However, the Bears have won five of the past six head-to-head match-ups, which suggests they quite like playing Minnesota. Thus, we would recommend another bet as a top option.
For Chicago vs. Minnesota, a bet at good odds on over three field goals is interesting, as both teams like to kick field goals. Both the Vikings and Bears had three each on the last day of play, making a total of six, which would clearly cover the three.
Chicago Bears – Minnesota Vikings Tip
The Vikings are the favourites, even away from home. There is no way around it, even if they have rarely been really convincing lately. However, since the Bears have weakened even more, Minnesota should already be able to win the game.
However, since they have not won by more than one score since Week 3, handicap bets are risky. We recommend betting odds on over three field goals for Bears vs. Vikings.
Alternatively, a bet on a Dalvin Cook rushing touchdown is also in the draw. He is fit again and almost single-handedly dismantled the Steelers on the last day of play, including with two rushing touchdowns.
