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Bears at Vikings: Game preview, odds, prediction

By Dave Stevenson

Oct 31, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Jordan Howard (24) rushes the ball against the Minnesota Vikings during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Jordan Howard (24) rushes the ball against the Minnesota Vikings during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Week 17’s game between the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings won’t have playoff implications, but it’s still a rivalry. Here’s the updated odds and predictions.

For years, the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings have been rivals. Their rivalry gets another chapter written in Week 17 on New Year’s Day starting at 1:00 p.m. ET. The Vikings (7-8) will host the Bears (3-12) at U.S. Bank Stadium. Though neither team is making the playoffs, don’t expect either team to take the game lightly. This game is for all the bragging rights.

Sam Bradford will lead Minnesota’s offense, which ranks in the bottom half in the NFL in most categories. However, it’s not his fault. You can blame Minnesota’s offensive line (or lack thereof) for their failures. However, they still have an excellent defense which ranks highly in the league in most statistical categories.

Meanwhile, the Bears will get another look at new quarterback Matt Barkley. He threw five interceptions against the Packers, but has been able to get things done. That’s not something that could be said for Jay Cutler or Brian Hoyer. Jordan Howard will look to put an exclamation point on his magical rookie season.

Odds

Spread: Minnesota (-6.5)
Moneyline: Vikings (-294) Bears (+244)
Over/under: 40

According to Oddsshark.com, Minnesota should get the win against Chicago at home. This is not surprising. Even though they have struggled mightily since starting off the season 5-0, the Bears have struggled even more so. Chicago hasn’t won a road game this season. Against the spread, Minnesota is just 3-7 over their last 10 games. Meanwhile, Chicago is 5-1 over their last six games against the spread. Also, Minnesota is 8-2 against the spread over their last 10 games.

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Prediction

This should be a very low scoring game, but one that sees Minnesota come out on top.

Minnesota 24 Chicago 13

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