The Minnesota Vikings (3-5) face off against the Chicago Bears (5-4) in a divisional matchup on Monday night. Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins has the chance to snap his 0-8 record on Monday Night Football, but more importantly, get a big road win against a dominant Bears defense.
Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota had a commanding 34-20 win against the Detroit Lions last week. Dalvin Cook had himself a day, racking up a career-high 252 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns. Cook joined Deuce McAllister and Jim Brown as the only running backs in NFL history with 225+ yards and 2+ touchdowns in consecutive weeks. While there is no indication Cook will slow down, the Bears pose a tougher challenge on the ground.
Cook dominated offensively, however, linebacker Eric Wilson put on a show on defense. He had a career-high 13 tackles, half a sack, and an interception on the day. Wilson is the only player with 50+ tackles, 3+ interceptions, and 2+ sacks this season.
Minnesota is relatively healthy this week. Tight end Irv Smith Jr–who caught two touchdown passes last week–has been ruled out with a groin injury and cornerback Cameron Dantzler is in the concussion protocol and questionable for Monday’s game.
Chicago Bears
Chicago struggled last week against the Tennessee Titans. The Bears defense was able to contain the Titans’ Derrick Henry all game, however, they got out to an early deficit and couldn’t come back, losing 17-24. Quarterback Nick Foles played a good game, completing 36 passes for 335 yards and two touchdowns.
The Bears are extremely banged up heading into this week. Running back David Montgomery (concussion), safety Sherrick McManis (hand), and nose tackle John Jenkins (ankle) have all been ruled out for the game. Foles’ top target Allen Robinson is questionable with a knee injury but is expected to play.
Minnesota leads the all-time series 60-55-2, but the Bears have won the last four matchups between the two franchises.
Game Info
Date: November 16, 2020
Start Time: 8:15 P.M. EST
Location: Chicago, IL
Stadium: Soldier Field
TV Info: ESPN
Betting Odds Sponsored by Jazz Sportsbook
Point Spread: MIN -3 (-110) | CHI +3 (-110)
Moneyline: MIN -160 | CHI +130
Over/Under: O 43 (-110) | U 43 (-110)
Almost every Vikings game this season has been high scoring due to their great offense and terrible defense. Take the over in this one.
The Bears’ defense is good enough to keep them in this game, but the Vikings should cover the spread, even on the road.
Prediction
Dalvin Cook has 478 scrimmage yards and six total touchdowns in only his last two games combined. Even facing off against a solid Bears run defense, Cook and the Vikings should dominate and win their third consecutive game this season.
Final Score: Minnesota Vikings 31, Chicago Bears 19
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Main Credit Image: Embed from Getty Images
