After a full week involving all 32 NFL teams, Week 12 concludes with an NFC North divisional matchup, as the Chicago Bears head to Minnesota to take on the Minnesota Vikings. These teams met back in Week 6, with the Vikings claiming the road victory 19-13. Can the Bears get their revenge, or will the Vikings continue their march towards the playoffs?
Below, we will dissect the matchup, previewing how we think things will play out, and give out our NFL Best Bet. Make sure you are following Before You Bet, as we will have dedicated NFL betting tips for all primetime NFL games this season, as well as a preview of the main NFL slate on Mondays. All for free!
NFL Week 12: Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings
U.S. Bank Stadium, Tuesday 28th November, 12:15pm (AEDT)
The Vikings’ six-game winning streak was snapped last week, but it took a go-ahead touchdown from the Broncos with just over a minute left on the clock to do it. The Vikings probably should have won the game, had it not been for them committing 3 turnovers. They dominated on the ground, rushing for 175 yards to the Broncos’ 46. Josh Dobbs was solid but contributed 2 of the team’s turnovers in what was his worst game for the Vikes. They’ll be looking to get back into the winner’s circle this week.
As for the Bears, they welcomed back quarterback Justin Fields in their matchup with the Lions. The Bears should have won, leading 26-14 with just over 4 minutes remaining. However, two late touchdowns and a safety on the final play of the game led the Lions to a 31-26 victory. Fields was dynamic in his first game back from injury, throwing for 169 yards and a touchdown, whilst rushing for 104 yards on the ground. They also forced 4 turnovers, and really should have salted the game away.
Injury Report
Minnesota Vikings
James Lynch (DT) – OUT
Oli Udoh (OT) – OUT
Kirk Cousins (QB) – OUT
Cam Akers (RB) – OUT
Jordan Hicks (MLB) – OUT
Justin Jefferson (WR) – OUT
Dean Lowry (DE) – OUT
Akayleb Evans (CB) – Questionable
Khyiris Tonga (DT) – Questionable
Chicago Bears
Noah Sewell (LB) – OUT
Larry Borom (OG) – Doubtful
D’Onta Foreman (RB) – Questionable
Tyrique Stevenson (CB) – Questionable
Match Preview
As mentioned, these teams played back in Week 6, with the Vikings prevailing 19-13. The Bears lost quarterback Justin Fields during the game, and seemed to get what they wanted on the ground. Unfortunately, they couldn’t get it done when it mattered, giving up 3 turnovers and only managing the one touchdown. The Vikings closed 3-point favourites in the game, covering the spread, whilst the total went well under.
The Vikings were 4-point favourites on the lookahead, before re-opening as 3.5-point favourites. More Bears money has come in, leaving the Vikings as a 3-point favourite for Monday Night Football. I make the Vikings a 4-point favourite, so I can see some value here with the Vikings. I think the Bears are being overrated, and the Vikings are still a tad underrated by the market here. If this ever gets to Vikings -2.5, this bet would bump up to at least 2.5 units.
As for the total, it was 44 on the lookahead, before re-opening at 45. This has slowly been bet back down to 44. I kind of like the under here, with two solid defences going toe-to-toe, but with the perfect indoor conditions and the ability of both quarterbacks to extend plays, and drives with their legs, this could easily turn into a high scoring game.
So, we will look for the Vikings to win by 3+ here, in a big game for their playoff hopes. A couple of props I like the look of are Justin Fields rushing yards over, and T.J. Hockenson receiving yards over, if you’re interested in prop bets. Fields looks like he’s back to his rushing form from last season, whilst Hockenson should cook this Bears defence, who are bottom 5 against opposing tight ends this season.
Vikings (-3)
$2.02 (1.5 units)
