Bears/Vikes Pros Prediction

[Lee Borgersen]

The Chicago Bears visit the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday in the season-finale for both teams.

Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. Eastern and the game will be aired on FOX.

  .............
Here’s a complete look at all the betting info you need to know, as well as a prediction of the Week 17 NFL game below:



Vikings vs. Bears Week 17 Betting Info:

Note: All odds and numbers courtesy of OddsShark.com and are updated as of December 31

Spread: Vikings (-6)

Betting Percentages: 56 percent for the Bears (+6)

Over/Under: 43

Betting Percentages: 69 percent for the OVER

Season Results: Vikings 7-8 straight up; 8-7 against the spread; 9-6 for the UNDER — Bears 3-12 straight up; 7-8 against the spread; 8-6-1 for the UNDER



Prediction

For a while there, it looked like the Vikings were playoff-bound. They got off to a 5-0 start and displayed some suffocating defense. Well, all good things must come to an end. Since then, Minnesota has dropped 8 of 10 and seen its D lose that edge, for the most part. So now the Vikings are playing for pride, and for some, roster spots next year.

The Bears didn’t have a shot from the get-go. While they’ve played solid defense (mostly over the last half of the season), the offense just didn’t have the play-makers to put them in position to win many games. Chicago ranked 28th in scoring at just 17.9 points per game.

Minnesota didn’t fare much better at 19.3 PPG. So this one figures to be a defensive battle. Just like the first meeting, a 20-10 victory by the Bears.

So before getting to our prediction, let’s take a glance at some recent trends. The Vikings are 3-7 against the spread in their last 10 games overall, but 8-2 ATS in their past 10 home games. The Bears are 5-1 against the spread over the past 6, but just 2-5 ATS in their past 7 road games. The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Minnesota’s last 8 home games.

There won’t be many points in this game as both teams are void of offensive threats. The Bears are playing much better than their ugly record indicates, but can they beat the Vikings twice in the same season? Absolutely.

The Vikings can’t run the ball (fewest rushing yards in the league), but they might be catching a break in the passing game as the Bears are expected to be without two of their top edge rushers, Pernell McPhee (shoulder, questionable) and Leonard Floyd (concussion, doubtful). Despite not having leading receiver Stefon Diggs (hip), Sam Bradford should be able to dink-and-dunk the Vikings down the field to score a couple of touchdowns, which should be enough.

Running back Jordan Howard (shredded the Vikes in the first meeting) should help keep the Bears in the game, but the Minnesota defense will be able to force a couple of turnovers by quarterback Matt Barkley and hold on for the season-ending home win.

The Pick: Vikings 17-13 (Vikings win straight up, Bears cover the spread, the UNDER wins)

[hawg]

A friend and I are the official Tom And Jerry batter makers at the American Legion today so I won't be forced to watch to closely, that might be a blessing.

[Reinhard]

Vikings win big at home!!!  34 to 10.  good luck.

[LPS]

Ya as an eternal optimist of the Vikings I find this a difficult position to be in.  Such a bad last half of the season it is hard to care much.  BUT as soon as the game starts I will get excited again.  My fish house is 230 yards from my easy chair and I can see it out my window.  If the game gets ugly I will retreat to the fish house.  lol 

I will say 24-17 Vikes

[Bobberineyes]

Great call Rh!!!

[LPS]

lol ya that was a good one RH...  What a fun game to watch.  We needed that for the end of the season. 

[Lee Borgersen]

lol ya that was a good one RH...  What a fun game to watch.  We needed that for the end of the season.

  Who da said dat Speak for yourself Vikes fan!

signed: "Da Bears" fans 

[Reinhard]

I still think the Bears have a good coach regardless of the season they had.  They like the Vikings have had a rough season with injuries plus a need for a solid QB.  Probably more but don't know the players that much like a fan would, but I do think they have a good coach.  good luck.

[glenn57]

Hey Lee who's dis hot shot QB dem bears are expected to sign??????????? we suppose to be scared now......................


NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! pouty-1023.gif pouty-1023.gif

[LPS]

Not much going on in FA so far.  Wanted the Vikes to get Wagner but he went with the Lions.  Now this Okung guy  is left.  Can't talk to him till 3 today since he acts as his own agent.  Hope we get him.  We need some good linemen as we all know.  AND the Adrian fiasco is still going on.  Noone wants him.  We will get stuck with him...

[Reinhard]

If nobody wants him the Vikings may offer him a small amount or release him.  I think the VIkings have players in mind and start dealing with them today or tomorrow on.  I see Kahil went to play with his brother and is no loss.  Patterson is still looking.  Thielen will get signed here for around 3 million I think.  good luck.