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NFL Week 10 trends and picks: What bets will decide this weekend’s games?

By Russell S. Baxter

TAMPA, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 08: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints stands under center during the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on November 08, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 08: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints stands under center during the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on November 08, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – NOVEMBER 08: Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings is tackled by Duron Harmon #26 of the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 08, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – NOVEMBER 08: Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings is tackled by Duron Harmon #26 of the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 08, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Monday, Nov. 16

Minnesota Vikings (3-5) at Chicago Bears (5-4), 8:15 pm

Vikings: Five years ago, the Kansas City Chiefs won their opener, dropped five in a row and then ran the table to finish 11-5 and reached the playoffs. This season, the Vikings dropped their first three games and also owned a 1-5 record after six outings. But led by running back Dalvin Cook and some timely plays on defense, the club has posted consecutive wins for the first time all year – knocking off the Packers at Lambeau Field and overrunning the Detroit Lions at home this past Sunday. Cook ranks second in the NFL in total yards from scrimmage (1,031) and has not only scored an NFL-high 13 touchdowns (12 rushing) but has also scored three two-point conversions.

Bears: The Bears’ defense has played somewhat better than they did a year ago as the team continues to adapt to veteran coach Chuck Pagano, who took over for Vic Fangio in 2019. But the club that lead the NFL with 36 takeaways in 2018 on the way to an NFC North title just hasn’t had the same gift of grab since. Chicago has forced just 28 turnovers in their last 25 contests dating back to the start of ’19. Outside linebacker Khalil Mack (6.5) and defensive end Akiem Hicks (3.5) have combined for exactly half of the Bears’ 20 sacks. But this unit has also proven a little too susceptible to the run, allowing 116.9 yards per game on the ground – a mediocre 14th in the league.

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