NFL Chicago at Minnesota Monday Night Football Free Pick

It’s not the black-and-blue rivalry of old, but the twelfth week of the season concludes in Minneapolis with the 3-8 Chicago Bears visiting the 6-5 Vikings Monday evening.

Another godawful season in the Second City, as the Bears need to run the table (uh-huh) to avoid a losing year. Chicago incinerated a dozen-point late lead in a 31-26 defeat at the Detroit Lions last week. Chicago hasn’t had a winning season since 2018.

Minnesota had a five-game win streak end with a 21-20 loss at the Denver Broncos last Sunday, having surrendered the go-ahead touchdown with 63 seconds remaining.

Minnesota is a 3½-point favorite (total at 43), according to NFL odds.

Moneyline is Vikings -180, Bears at +155.   

Minnesota is leading the all-time series, 66-57-2, winning the last five (19-13 in mid-October).

Those Toothless Bears

The Chicago Bears do not score. They averaged just 20.9 points per game this season (19th in NFL), getting as many as 30 once. What was true Bears was a 26-point “explosion” against the Lions last week and losing, anyway.

Quarterback Justin Fields (1,370 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, six interceptions) did miss four games with an injured thumb, but was a force in his return against Detroit.

Again with the asterisk of Fields missing time, Chicago is ranked 20th in total offense at 323.8 yards/game. 

Wide receiver D.J. Moore (59 receptions, 889 yards, six touchdowns) has been the weapon of choice (along with Fields on foot), as the Bears do not have a 400-yard rusher this season.

Chicago’s no prize on the other side of the ball, having surrendered 26 points/game (29th in league), especially susceptible against the pass (245.9 yards/game, 26th in league).

If there’s a silver lining on defense, it’s the 79½-yard average against the run (second in NFL). 

It’s Dobbs’ Team

The Minnesota Vikings are in the hands of well-traveled quarterback Josh Dobbs.

With Kirk Cousins having a season-ending torn Achilles, Dobbs has acquitted himself well (three games [two starts], four touchdowns, one interception, three rushing touchdowns).

Sporting an offense just marginally better (23 points/game) than the Bears, Minnesota is relying on a defense (20.9 points/game) to give it a chance. This shouldn’t surprise, as the Vikings won a ton of one-possession games last season.

Having surrendered 94 ground yards/game (seventh in league), it’s the job of the Vikes to try and make Fields beat them through the air.

Minnesota is hoping to get Justin Jefferson (hamstring) back after missing the last six, but with a bye after this game, it’s not probable. 

Meanwhile, tight end T.J. Hockenson has become the weapon of choice (75 receptions, 736 yards, four touchdowns), aided by Jordan Addison (48 receptions, seven touchdowns). 

Vikings to Vanquish

Try the Minnesota Vikings at 40-1 (+4000) to win the NFC, or perhaps a Hail Mary with the Chicago Bears at 500-1 (+50000), as per NFL conference odds.

Having Justin Fields back is a good thing in Chicago, this team has a ton of other issues. There’s not sufficient offense to tilt the scoreboard, and no Monsters of the Midway on defense.

Minnesota needs this game, so don’t expect a failed effort.

Bet the Minnesota Vikings – 3 at home. Go over, too.