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Vikings at Bears: Game preview, odds, prediction

By Dan Schmelzer

Nov 1, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) throws the ball over Minnesota Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter (99) during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) throws the ball over Minnesota Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter (99) during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Minnesota Vikings will take on the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football in NFL Week 8 action.

This matchup between the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears showcases two teams going in opposite directions. The Vikings are coming off of a tough loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, but at 5-1 they are still one of the best teams in the NFC. The 1-6 Bears, on the other hand, are going nowhere fast.

Let’s start with Minnesota. The Vikings are led by an incredibly strong defensive unit. From the defensive front to the secondary and everything between, the Vikings’ defense has elite-level talent all over the field.

Offensively, the Vikings have been killed by injuries this season. The losses of quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and running back Adrian Peterson have obviously been huge, but they have also been without number one receiver Stefon Diggs for a portion of the season.

Sam Bradford has mostly played well this season, but this Vikings’ offense has a limited ceiling. Plus, as we saw last week against the Eagles, their floor is also pretty low.

Minnesota does not ask much out of Bradford and company, but the defense cannot do it all. Simply put, they have to put points on the board.

The Bears are one of the worst teams in the NFL. They have some nice talent on both sides of the ball, but there is a severe lack of depth and they have been killed by injuries.

Brian Hoyer suffered a broken arm against the Green Bay Packers this week, meaning Jay Cutler will likely return as the Bears’ starting quarterback this week. Cutler is capable of a big game at any time, but he is as inconsistent as they come.

Cutler will undoubtedly look to showcase wide receiver Alshon Jeffery on the outside. Jeffery is an absolute freak, but I have a hard time seeing the Bears putting up many points against this Vikings’ defense.

Odds

Line: MIN -4

Over/Under: 41

Unsurprisingly, the road team comes in as the favorites here. The Bears have the ability to make this a contest, but a Minnesota loss here would be surprising. Also, Vegas looks at this as a relatively low scoring contest with a low over/under total.

Prediction

What a tough test for Jay Cutler in his return to action. This Vikings’ defense is loaded, and I have a hard time seeing the Bears putting up many points.

That being said, their defense could keep them in this game against a less than stellar Vikings’ offense. I definitely see a low-scoring Monday Night Football affair, but have a hard time seeing the Bears pulling off a victory.

Pick: Minnesota Vikings 20, Chicago Bears 10

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