After underperforming for most of the season, the Minnesota Vikings hopes at a playoff berth hinge on a divisional matchup versus the Chicago Bears. If the Vikings win, they’re in. If not, they’ve got to hope the red-hot Eagles lose to the Redskins. The same Redskins who have lost 5 of their last 6 and have no competent quarterback. With this looking less than likely, the Vikings will have to rely on themselves to get into the playoffs. The only problem for the Vikings is that they’ve got to play the Bears, a team that is one of the best in the league.
Not the ’85 Bears, But They’ll Do
On both sides of the ball, Chicago will outplay Minnesota. This Bears defense will swarm the microcosm of mediocrity known as the Minnesota Vikings. Chicago has been electric on defense this season. They are third in PPG allowed, second in rush yards allowed, and 4th in total yards allowed. The Bears have also held their opponents to 35% conversion rate on third down.
When the Bears aren’t busy halting their opponents on third down, they’re taking the ball back forcefully instead. Their 27 interceptions and nine forced fumbles give the Bears the second-best turnover differential in the league at +12. And this is all without mentioning the defensive machine known as Khalil Mack. Chicago’s recent acquisition has racked up 12.5 sacks, six forced fumbles (tied for first in the NFL), and one interception. This Bears defense will show exactly why they’re a force to be reckoned with when they visit Kirk Cousins and company next week.
Better Than the Opposition
The buck doesn’t stop at their defense, though. The Bears have one of the more underrated offenses in the league, mostly attributed to second-year quarterback Mitchell Trubisky. The Bears offense have managed to post above-average numbers, being ninth in PPG and 14th in rushing YPG. A decent offense and an elite defense is something that Minnesota simply has no answers for. The Vikings’ offense has the 30th ranked rush attack and come in 16th overall in PPG with just over 23. This Minnesota defense hasn’t been too spectacular either, posting a turnover differential of zero, tied for 18th in the league.
Underwhelming Under the Bright Lights
The Vikings are just 1-5 against teams above .500 (above .500 as of week 16), with their lone win coming against the Eagles. Mind you, this was the Eagles when they were playing mediocre football, not with Nick Foles out there at quarterback. Kirk Cousins and the Vikings have heavily underperformed in some of their biggest games, failing to eclipse 10 points in games against the Patriots and Seahawks. Having already lost to the Bears once this season, this trend should be expected to continue when they meet next week. The Bears will thwart any fleeting hope the Vikings had of a playoff appearance.
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