Bears at Vikings: Preview, prediction, odds and pick

The Minnesota Vikings are looking to grab a first-round bye in the NFC Playoffs when they take on the Chicago Bears at home on Sunday.

The Minnesota Vikings started out the season with Sam Bradford as their starting quarterback, but he struggled to stay healthy early on. When it was clear he could not go the rest of teh season, the team turned to Case Keenum, who has been a career backup. All Keenum has done is lead his team to the top of the NFC North, as the Vikings have become one of the better teams in all of football.

While Keenum has been solid, it has really be the Vikings defense that has led the way this season. Guys like Everson Griffin and Harrison Smith are having career years, and it has helped the team deal with the blow of losing star rookie running back Dalvin Cook. The tandem of Latavius Murray and Jerick McKinnon has stepped up in Cook’s absence, as this team is really firing on all cylinders as we head to Week 17.

For the Bears, the expectation was a rebuilding year, and it has been just that. Rookie quarterback Mitchell Trubisky has played well at times, but it may not be enough to save head coach John Fox’s job. Fox is a well respected coach in the NFL, but the Bears have been downright bad with him at the helm, and it is time for the team to move in a new direction.

Odds

Line: Minnesota Vikings (-12.0)

Over/Under: 39.5

The Vikings are pretty big home favorites in this one, as they will be giving the Bears 12 points. The over/under is set at 39.5, and that is likely due to the fact the Bears are going to struggle offensively on Sunday. This line will change a lot throughout the week, so head on over to OddsShark.com for any changes up until kickoff.

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The Vikings are going to be fired up in this one, as they are hoping to bring their fans a home playoff game. The real goal is to be playing in front of their home fans in the final game of the season, which would be Super Bowl LII. Minnesota has been terrific all season long, and that trend will continue on Sunday.

Final Score: Vikings 28, Bears 17