- What: NFL Regular Season Game
- When: December 16, 2024
- Who: Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings
- Time: 5:00 p.m. PST
- Where: US Bank Stadium (Minneapolis, MN)
The Chicago Bears (4-9) are heading into their Monday Night Football matchup against the Minnesota Vikings (11-2) with a lot on the line. While the Vikings are the favorites, I feel the Bears can keep it close enough to cover that hefty 7-point spread.
Let’s explain why taking the Bears at +7 (-115 odds at BetMGM) is the move here.
Chicago Bears
The Bears have been struggling, losing seven straight games, but here’s the kicker: four of those losses were by a combined total of just 10 points.
They’ve been competitive in most of their games, and with interim head coach Thomas Brown at the helm, there’s a chance they can rally for a primetime game against a divisional rival.
The Bears have shown they can put up a fight, especially in high-stakes situations.
MNF in Minneapolis ????️ pic.twitter.com/TgqrzctSa2
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) December 16, 2024
Now, let’s dive into the matchup. The Vikings’ defense has been solid, but they’ve had their issues, particularly against the run. The Bears might not have the most explosive offense, but they can still move the ball effectively.
Caleb Williams, the rookie quarterback, has been getting better each week, and he’s already faced Brian Flores’ defense earlier this season. In that matchup, he threw for 340 yards and two touchdowns.
If he can replicate that performance, the Bears will have a shot at keeping it close.
Moreover, the Bears’ defense has been known to step up in crucial moments. They’ve struggled against the run since losing Andrew Billings, but the Vikings’ rushing attack isn’t exactly elite, ranking 24th in EPA.
Minnesota Vikings
First off, let’s talk about the current state of both teams. The Vikings are on a six-game winning streak, but let’s not forget that their victories have come against teams with losing records.
They’ve faced the Jaguars, Colts, Bears, Titans, Cardinals, and Falcons—none of which are exactly playoff contenders. In fact, four of those wins were by just one possession, and they’ve been tied or trailing in the fourth quarter in their last three games.
This isn’t the dominant team everyone thinks they are; they’re just getting by against weaker opponents.
Ready for a #WinterWhiteout. pic.twitter.com/vNyzqUUAQl
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 16, 2024
This could play into the Bears’ hands, allowing them to focus on containing the Vikings’ passing game, which has been heavily reliant on Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson.
Speaking of Hockenson, he’s been a key player for the Vikings, but the Bears’ secondary has shown they can adapt.
In their last meeting, they focused on shutting down Jefferson, which allowed Hockenson and Jordan Addison to thrive. If the Bears can adjust their game plan and limit the big plays, they can keep the Vikings from running away with the game.
Bears-Vikings Best Bet
Let’s not forget the psychological aspect of this matchup.
The Bears are a divisional underdog, and history shows that road underdogs on a losing streak of seven or more games have a solid track record of covering the spread (48-30-1 ATS since 2003).
While I believe the Vikings will likely win this game, I can’t get behind laying the full 7 points.
The Bears have shown they can keep games competitive, and with the right adjustments, they can cover the spread.
So, let’s roll with the Bears at +7 and see if they can pull off a respectable performance in this NFC North clash.
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Tony Reyes is a sports betting analyst and reporter for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X @TonyParlay.
