Bears vs Vikings Predictions

One of the oldest NFL rivalries is ready to write its next chapter in this crucial NFL showdown on Monday night football. The NFC North is the best division in football, and the 11-2 Minnesota Vikings will need to tack on another victory to keep pace with the red-hot Lions. The Chicago Bears have lost seven games in a row after starting the year 4-2. With their playoff hopes dashed, rivalry games are the highlight of the year for the Bears. This will be a very tight game right down to the wire and is the perfect week 15 matchup for your NFL picks. 

Matchup: Bears vs Vikings Overview

• Teams: Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings
• Date: Monday, December 16th, 2024
• Time: Kick-off is at 8:00 PM EST
• Venue: US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Bears vs Vikings Odds

The NFL odds have correctly made the Minnesota Vikings significant favorites to beat the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football. The Vikings have an outstanding 11-2 record this season, while the Bears have lost seven straight games. The Vikings were as high as -7 point favorites earlier this week, but the NFL odds have shifted down to just -6.5 in favor of the home team. 

Minnesota has a very strong defense that is expected to give Bears quarterback Caleb Williams serious issues when he attempts to move the ball down the field. The Bears’ defense hasn’t been able to replicate their early season form, but they are still an above-average defensive unit. As a result, the total points for this game is just 44 points, as indicated by the most up-to-date NFL odds. 

Expert Prediction: Who Will Get the Cover? 

Why the Chicago Bears Can Cover

The Chicago Bears will need their defense to step up as they did earlier in the season. The Vikings’ defense is very strong, so the Bears will need to match their intensity if they hope to get the cover and possibly an outright victory. Gervon Dexter Sr. and Montez Sweat are two of the NFL’s elite defensive linemen and will need to get their hands on Sam Darnold to make some game-changing plays. 

On offense, the Bears rely on quarterback Caleb Williams to find success through the air. The first overall pick would’ve hoped to have a rookie year filled with more consistency, but he has shown signs of brilliance for the Bears. There is no reason for Chicago to tank, as they already have the quarterback of the future. These rivalry games can bring out the best in struggling teams, and the Bears have all the tools they need to make a real dent in the Vikings’ postseason quest. Chicago is also benefiting from a healthy +6.5 point spread on the NFL odds. 

Why the Minnesota Vikings Can Cover

The Minnesota Vikings have been winning and covering all year long and will be more than confident they can do so against the Bears on Monday night. Minnesota has the sixth best defense in the league in terms of points allowed, and that is after playing a very tough schedule to kick off the season. They have been able to smother the passing attack of the league’s best quarterbacks and will look to disrupt Caleb Williams in this NFL matchup. On the ground, they frequently hold opponents to 2 or fewer yards per carry on first down, which allows their defense to stay ahead of the sticks on future plays. 

Minnesota appears to have found a diamond in the rough with Sam Darnold. Darnold was tossed aside by his previous employers, but the 27-year-old has proven he just needed another shot at a starting role. JJ McCarthy’s injury may have been the best thing to happen to the Vikings, as Darnold’s fantastic play has carried them to an 11-2 start to the season. His favorite wide receiver is Justin Jefferson, who is one of two wide receivers to eclipse 1,000 yards this season. 

Jefferson and Darnold have given life to a flat Vikings offense, and their stifling defense has turned them into legitimate Super Bowl contenders. The Vikings will have to overcome the -6.5 point spread to get the cover, but a strong defensive showing will allow them to do just that. Stay away from the unplayable -320 moneyline, and instead focus on the -6.5 point spread for your Monday night football NFL prediction. 

How to Make Chicago Bears vs Minnesota Vikings Picks

There are several different options when making your NFL predictions and picks for the Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings matchup on Monday night, but one option stands out among the rest. Sportzino is the fastest-growing social sportsbook and is the perfect place to make your free NFL predictions. Sportzino has NFL picks against the spread, but they also have player props, totals, and, most importantly, moneyline odds for every NFL game this season. These two teams are heading in very different directions, but the -6.5 point spread in favor of the Vikings ensures they both have a great chance at covering the spread. Minnesota cannot afford to lose this game in their hunt for the NFC North crown, and this will be a truly fascinating NFL matchup for week 15.