NFL Tickets
TV Schedule: Sunday, Dec. 20, 1 pm ET, Fox
Stadium: TCF Bank Stadium-Minneapolis, Minnesota
Current Line: Minnesota (-5.5)
Over/Under: 43
Last Meeting: Minnesota 23, Chicago 20-Week 8
Despite losing three of their last four games, the Minnesota Vikings are 8-5, in the NFC playoff mix with a chance to win the NFC North. A 23-20 loss to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 14 is a positive sign, all things considered, as quarterback Teddy Bridgewater broke out of his funk with a career-high 335 passing yards while completing over 69 percent of his passes (25-for-36). 11 different receivers caught passes for Minnesota in the game, led by tight end Kyle Rudolph (six catches for 67 yards) and wide receiver Jarius Wright (five catches for 51 yards).
The Vikings are hoping to get multiple key defensive players back on Sunday, as linebacker Anthony Barr (groin), defensive tackle Linval Joseph (foot), safety Harrison Smith (knee/hamstring) and others missed the loss to Arizona last Thursday night. Safety Andrew Sendejo (knee) and linebacker Brandon Watts (rib) returned to practice on Tuesday.
The Chicago Bears had another close loss in Week 14, 24-21 to the Washington Redskins, and their last five losses have been by a total of 17 points amid some struggles from kicker Robbie Gould (three missed field goals over the last two games). At 5-8 Chicago’s playoff chances are dismal at best, but that should not obscure a solid season from quarterback Jay Cutler (3,027 yards, 16 touchdowns and seven interceptions; 62.6 percent completion rate) and a defense that has showed a lot of improvement in recent weeks.
This is a winnable game for the Vikings, and they need it to maintain a chance to win a division title. The Bears need a win to maintain any hope for a Wild Card spot.
Score Prediction: Vikings 24, Bears 17
Brad Berreman is a Senior Writer at Rant Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter.
Share 
