The playoffs aren’t in the air for either the Minnesota Vikings or Chicago Bears, but these NFC North rivals have a lot of pride on the line as they meet on Sunday in the Week 17 regular-season finale. The Bears have only registered three wins this season, so the playoffs were not really in the cards for them. They have endured a slew of injuries but even so, head coach John Fox deserves some credit for keeping this team together. They’re on their third string quarterback but they continue to fight. They lost by 20 last week but had lost by no more than six in their previous four games, which is exactly what the spread is in this spot.
For the Vikings, their season came two weeks ago when they were flattened at home against the Indianapolis Colts. Their offense has labored this season but the one thing they could hang their hat on was the defense, which had been among the best in the NFL. However, they’ve completely fallen off the last two weeks as they’ve allowed 72 points in those two games. The Vikings are the more talented team but will they be into this game mentally? We’ll find out on Sunday.
Moneyline: Vikings -250
Handicap/Spread Odds: Vikings -6
Total O/U: 42
Last 5 Meetings: (Road/Home – Spread/Total)
| 10/31/2016 | MIN 10 – CHI 20 | CHI 4.5 | U 39.5 |
| 12/20/2015 | CHI 17 – MIN 38 | MIN -4 | O 43.5 |
| 11/1/2015 | MIN 23 – CHI 20 | MIN -1.5 | U 43.5 |
| 12/28/2014 | CHI 9 – MIN 13 | CHI 7 | U 47 |
| 11/16/2014 | MIN 13 – CHI 21 | CHI -2.5 | U 46.5 |
On The Bears Side of the Ball (3-12 Record, 7-8 ATS)
The Bears looked worn out by the end of a 41-21 loss at home to Washington, and if they lose this game in Minnesota, they’ll finish 0-8 SU on the road for the first time in their long history. After looking competent, Matt Barkley was picked off five times as he continues his audition for 2017. Receiver Alshon Jeffrey is trying to fight off an illness so he can play this week in what could be his final game in Chicago, as Jeffrey is a free agent. Rookie linebacker Leonard Floyd is in the concussion protocol and might be held out, and the Bears would do well to leave their talented pass-rusher on the sidelines and just wait until next season.
Last 5 Results:
| 12/24/2016 | WAS | L 21-41 | L 3 | O 49 |
| 12/18/2016 | GB | L 27-30 | W 4.5 | O 40 |
| 12/11/2016 | @DET | L 17-20 | W 7.5 | U 42 |
| 12/4/2016 | SF | W 26-6 | W PK | U 44 |
| 11/27/2016 | TEN | L 21-27 | W 6.5 | O 41.5 |
On The Vikings Side of the Ball (7-8 Record, 8-7 ATS)
The Vikings will be left wondering what went wrong after a 38-25 loss to Green Bay and after starting the season 5-0, there won’t be many more disappointed fanbases than Minnesota’s. The Vikings’ defense has looked worse in recent weeks, and then there was the story that the defensive backs might have went against the gameplan against the Packers. Adrian Peterson should probably sit out this game to get healthy for next season, while linebacker Chad Greenway might retire and receiver Stefon Diggs has a hip problem that could keep him out on Sunday.
Last 5 Results:
| 12/24/2016 | @GB | L 25-38 | L 6 | O 44.5 |
| 12/18/2016 | IND | L 6-34 | L -5 | U 44.5 |
| 12/11/2016 | @JAC | W 25-16 | W -3 | O 38 |
| 12/1/2016 | DAL | L 15-17 | W 3 | U 43.5 |
| 11/24/2016 | @DET | L 13-16 | L 1.5 | U 42 |
Quick Analysis
Both teams have been decent ATS plays this season as the Vikings and Bears are both hovering around .500 there. The Vikings are 5-2 ATS at home, while the Bears are 2-5 ATS on the road, and Minnesota is 5-4 as an ATS favorite, while Chicago is 7-5 ATS as the underdog. For O/U totals, the Vikings are 6-9 O/U, and the Bears are 6-8-1. In head-to-head action, the Vikings are 3-2 SU and 2-3 ATS in their last five against the Bears, who beat Minnesota 20-10 at home in Week 9.
Prediction
The Bears won the first meeting between the two because Jay Cutler had a great game, as did running back Jordan Howard, who rushed for 153 yards and a score. There will be no Cutler this time, which means the Vikings can stack the box against Howard. However, it doesn’t look much better for the Vikings, who haven’t been able to run the ball without Peterson, ranking dead last in the NFL on the ground. The Vikings should win because their defense is better, and you should trust Bradford more than Barkley. Turnovers should give the Vikings enough chances to cover a 6-point spread, even though that might be a lot of points for a team with Sam Bradford at quarterback.
Pick: Vikings -6
Note: The betting odds are subject to change throughout the week leading up to kick-off, so please be aware of the possibility of line movements.
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