CHICAGO (9 - 4) at MINNESOTA (5 - 8)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 3-2 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 3-2 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO vs. MINNESOTA
Chicago is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games on the road
Minnesota is 13-3 SU in its last 16 games at home
Minnesota is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Chicago
CHICAGO at MINNESOTA
CHICAGO: 1-5 ATS off a home loss
MINNESOTA: 1-7 ATS playing with revenge
Tech Trends - Week 15
By Bruce Marshall
CHICAGO at MINNESOTA... Bears 5-1 SU and 3-2-1 vs. line since bye week, Vikings 2-1 SU and vs. line for Leslie Frazier. Vikes 4-1 SU and vs. line last 5 as series host, but were beaten 27-13 at Chicago last month. Bears "under" 7-4-2 TY, 17-10-2 "under" since ‘09. Tech edge-Bears and slight to "under," based on team and "totals" trends.
Gridiron Angles - Week 15
By Vince Akins
Bears at Vikings - The Bears are 6-0 ATS (9.6 ppg) since November 09, 1997 as a dog when they rushed for at least 50 yards fewer last week than their season-to-date average. The Bears are 6-0 ATS (8.9 ppg) since December 24, 2000 the week after a straight up loss as a dog in which their completion percentage was at least ten points lower than their season-to-date average. The Vikings are 0-8-1 ATS (-8.1 ppg) since October 30, 2006 the week after a game in which they got a first down on less than 25% of their offensive plays. The Vikings are 0-6 ATS (-11.4 ppg) since December 18, 2005 at home when they have had a negative dpa in each of their last three games. The Bears are 0-8 OU (-10.5 ppg) since November 16, 2008 versus any team with fewer wins after a straight up loss. The Vikings are 8-0 OU (9.3 ppg) since November 19, 2006 after a loss in which they allowed at least four sacks. The Vikings are 7-0 OU (21.9 ppg) since November 25, 1990 within 3 of pick the week after a game in which they punted at least eight times.
What Bettors Need to Know: Bears at Vikings
By Steve Merril
Current Odds
This game was off the board all week until Saturday because of the uncertainty of both the Minnesota starting quarterback and where this game would be played. Oddsmakers finally posted a line on Saturday afternoon once Joe Webb was named the starter and the location was set at the University of Minnesota.
The line opened with the Bears as 7-point road favorites and Chicago was almost immediately bet up to -7.5. The favorite is now being dealt between 8 and 8.5 in most locations as 56 percent of the public is favoring Chicago according to the Covers.com consensus.
The total opened at 34 total points on Saturday and was quickly bet down to 33 points in most locations despite the fact 62 percent of the public is supporting the over. This game is being played outdoors and the weather forecast is calling for an 80 percent chance of snow showers on Monday night. The kickoff temperature will be 26 degrees with a wind chill of 14 degrees.
Injury Report
The Vikings will be forced to start rookie quarterback Joe Webb tonight as Brett Favre (shoulder) and Tarvaris Jackson (toe) are both out with injuries. Webb attempted 30 passes in four preseason games with a solid 95.3 QB rating and 126 rushing yards on 11 attempts (11.5 ypr) but he struggled in his one regular season appearance last week against the Giants (47.9 QB rating).
The backup quarterback will be Patrick Ramsey who was just signed last week and played this preseason with the New Orleans Saints.
Webb should have his top two offensive weapons available this week as running back Adrian Peterson (knee) and wide receiver Percy Harvin (migraine) are listed as probable and both are expected to play.
Harvin has missed the past two games, but still leads the team in receiving with 51 receptions and 627 yards (12.3 ypc), while Peterson is the team’s leading rusher with 1,149 rushing yards (4.7 ypr) and 12 total touchdowns this season.
The Bears are healthy and have only a few players on the injury report. Tight end Desmond Clark (neck) is questionable, while linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa (knee) is doubtful. Defensive end Marcus Harrison is probable after missing last week’s game due to an illness.
Caught in a Webb
The Vikings have gone from an iron man quarterback to a rookie in just a couple of weeks. Minnesota starts Joe Webb against the Bears after Brett Favre’s NFL record of 297 consecutive starts ended last week.
Interim head coach Leslie Frazier likes what he has seen from the rookie.
“Joe Webb had a good day today,” Frazier said. “He really seems as if this whole thing is not too big for him, and I’m really looking forward to watching him on Monday night.”
Webb played at UAB and he put up some good numbers in college last year. He threw for 2,300 yards with 21 touchdown passes to just eight interceptions. Webb is also a mobile quarterback and his ability to create plays with his legs was also a key part of his collegiate success.
He was actually drafted as a wide receiver, but the Vikings had no choice but to play him at quarterback after Favre’s backup, Tarvaris Jackson, was injured last week versus the Giants.
”It’s not all about Joe Webb,” Frazier said. “Our offense has to play well around him. Our defense has to play well; our special teams have to play well. If that’s the case, then Joe doesn’t have to feel as if I’ve got to do what Brett Favre does for our football team or what Tarvaris Jackson does for our football team.”
Take it to the Bank
Minnesota is playing its second straight “home” game on someone else's field because the Metrodome roof collapsed. The Vikings hosted the Giants in Detroit last week, and they’ll be hosting the Bears at TCF Bank Stadium tonight which is the home field of the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers.
The difference here is that this game will be played outdoors. The last time the Vikings played an outdoor game in Minnesota was 29 years ago to the day which is very ironic.
It took an army of workers to clear the stadium of snow, and NFL officials are satisfied with the location. The players aren’t though, and they’ve been quite vocal about the situation.
“Man, it’s a dictatorship,” said Bears safety Chris Harris. “What they say is the law. It doesn’t matter what I think.
“Guys are really concerned about the field, more so than where we play. We don’t want to go out there and play on a concrete-type surface.”
The Vikings announced a first-come, first-serve ticket policy for tonight’s game. There is no assigned seating, so it will be interesting to see how many fans turn out for this game. The stadium only holds 50,000 people, 14,000 fewer seats than the Metrodome.
It’s a good thing no beer will served during this game or things could get ugly, especially if the Vikings play like they did last week in their 21-3 loss versus the Giants.
Jaws on Cutler
Chicago quarterback Jay Cutler plays either really good or really bad. There’s hardly anything in between for him. Cutler threw an NFL-high 26 interceptions last season and he has thrown 12 interceptions through 13 weeks this year.
Former Philadelphia quarterback and current Monday Night Football commentator Ron Jaworski is known for his detailed film study of NFL quarterbacks. In preparation for this game, Jaworski broke down Cutler’s 12 interceptions on film.
Jaws still doesn’t like what he sees from Cutler, but he has noticed some improvement under the tutelage of offensive coordinator Mike Martz.
”I was quite surprised,” commented Jaworski, “because 11 of the 12 were bad decisions.” Jaworski only counted one interception that was a receiver’s fault.
“Eleven of the 12,” he said, “I would put on Jay.”
Still, Jaworski said he has been impressed by Cutler’s potential in Martz’s offensive system.
“I will also say some of the throws he’s made, my head exploded,” Jaworski commented. “I’m telling you, some of the best throws of the year. He’s making all kinds of plays down the field.”
MNF - Bears at Vikings
By Kevin Rogers
It's been a whirlwind season for the Vikings with plenty of storylines that the public has heard about for months. The latest twist for Minnesota is the damage to the Metrodome roof, as Monday night's game against Chicago will be moved to the University of Minnesota at TCF Bank Stadium. Besides playing on a new field, the Vikings will have a new quarterback for the second straight week in place of the injured Brett Favre.
Minnesota has nowhere to go with the playoffs out of reach at 5-8, while Favre's banged-up right shoulder will likely have him on the shelf on Monday. The veteran gunslinger had his streak of 297 consecutive regular-season starts snapped in last Monday's loss to the Giants, 21-3 at Ford Field. Tarvaris Jackson was finally given an opportunity to jump-start the Vikings' offense, but could not even get Minnesota into the end zone as he suffered a toe injury and ending his season.
Now, the Vikings will turn to either former UAB quarterback Joe Webb or ex-Redskins' first-round pick Patrick Ramsey, who was signed this week. Webb completed two of five passes for eight yards in the closing minute against New York, his first action in an NFL game under center. There is no guarantee that Webb will get the starting nod as Ramsey may be called upon if Webb's bothersome hamstring is a problem.
The Bears are thankful that they won't be seeing Tom Brady this week, as the Patriots' quarterback torched Chicago for 369 yards and two touchdowns in a 36-7 blowout at Soldier Field. Lovie Smith's team is still atop the NFC North at 9-4, including a 5-1 mark on the highway. Chicago's offense has seen its ups and downs this season, coming off two solid efforts prior to the cold showing against New England.
Four of the five road victories have come against teams that are below .500, including wins over the Panthers, Bills, Lions, and Cowboys. The lone win over a club that is still in playoff contention was the 16-0 shutout of the Dolphins as third-stringer Tyler Thigpen started for Miami back in Week 11. Four of those games finished 'under' the total, as that can be the case once again with the chilly weather expected at the outdoor venue on the campus of University of Minnesota.
The Bears knocked off the Vikings, 27-13 at Soldier Field in Week 10 as one-point favorites. The game barely finished 'under' the total of 41, thanks to Minnesota scoring just three points in the second half. Jay Cutler tossed three touchdowns passes, while the Bears' defense intercepted Favre three times in a crucial division win. That marked the sixth straight time in this series that the home team came out with a victory.
So what does that mean with the game getting moved outside the Metrodome? This is the first outdoor home game for the Vikings since 1981 at the old Metropolitan Stadium in Bloomington. This is the third time the Bears have been favored on the road, but by far the biggest number all season. Chicago was listed as a five-point favorite at Detroit two weeks ago, as the Bears failed to cover in a 24-20 victory.
Taking away last week's game at a neutral site, the Vikings come into this game as a home underdog for just the second this season. Minnesota was chased out by Green Bay as three-point 'dogs in Week 11 by a 31-3 count. Prior to the short Favre era in Minnesota, the Vikings went 3-6 ATS at home in 2008, including underdog defeats to the Colts and Eagles.
The favorites have dominated on Monday night football recently with eight straight covers. Both the Giants and Ravens cashed last week when laying points on the road, as away 'chalk' is 6-3 ATS this season on Monday nights. There is no defining trends from a totals perspective, splitting right the down the middle in 16 games.
The Bears are listed as 7½-point favorites in most spots, while the number is creeping up to eight at some sportsbooks. The total is set at 33, but look for that number to potentially drop with the cold weather in Minneapolis. The game kicks off at 8:30 PM EDT and will be televised nationally on ESPN.
Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood:
One of the bigger meltdowns any football fan will see was witnessed at the new Meadowlands as the Giants blew a 31-10 fourth quarter lead in a shocking 38-31 loss to the Eagles. DeSean Jackson's punt return for a score won it for the Eagles, but also put Philadelphia in prime position to win the NFC East. The Eagles scored four touchdowns in the final eight minutes as Michael Vick totaled 372 yards passing and rushing combined.
The Lions finally won a road game for the first time since 2007 as Detroit upset Tampa Bay in overtime, 23-20 as four-point underdogs. This was the first loss for the Bucs this season against a team below .500 in nine tries, damaging Tampa Bay's fading playoff hopes in the NFC.
The Chiefs helped themselves in the tight AFC West race with a 27-13 drubbing of the Rams in the I-70 showdown in St. Louis as three-point underdogs. Matt Cassel returned from his appendectomy by throwing a touchdown pass, while leading Kansas City to 383 yards of offense and sole possession of first place in the division with two weeks left.
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Tips and Trends
Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings
BEARS: (-8, O/U 33) Chicago has had an outstanding season this year, as they are 9-4 SU and in 1st place in the NFL North. Despite being badly beaten last week, the Bears are still confident they are a Super Bowl caliber team. Chicago has played better on the road than at home this season, as they are 4-1 SU and 3-2-1 ATS. Chicago will be the road favorite tonight for the 3rd time this season, where they are 0-1-1 ATS. Chicago has a paltry offense, both passing and rushing. The Bears rank in the bottom 10 in nearly every offensive statistic. Defensively, the Bears are allowing just 17.5 PPG this year, 3rd fewest in the NFL. The Bears are 6-2-1 ATS in their last 9 road games against a team with a losing home record. Chicago is 3-9-1 ATS in their last 13 games following an ATS loss. The Bears are 2-7-1 ATS in their last 10 games following a SU loss. Chicago is 1-7-1 ATS in their last 9 games played in December. The Bears are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a double-digit loss at home.
Bears are 4-1 ATS last 5 Monday games.
Under is 14-2 last 16 games following a SU loss.
Key Injuries - LB Pisa Tinoisamoa (knee) is questionable.
Projected Score: 17
VIKINGS: It's been an incredibly disappointing season for Minnesota, and it's not going to get any easier. The Vikings are just 5-8 SU and 4-9 ATS overall this season. Injuries are piling up on Minnesota, and team morale is likely at an all time low. The Vikings have already lost to Chicago this year, so revenge will be on the minds of those that still care. Minnesota is 4-3 SU and 3-4 ATS at home this season. Minnesota is 0-7 both SU and ATS as the listed underdog this season. The Vikings will be playing tonight as their largest underdog price of the year. Defensively, the Vikings are allowing just 309 YPG this season, 7th fewest in the NFL. The Vikings are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing more than 150 yards rushing in their previous game. Minnesota is 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games as a home underdog of 3.5 to 10 points. The Vikings are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 Monday games. The Vikings are 3-10 ATS in their last 13 games played in December. Minnesota is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following an ATS loss. The Vikings are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games played on fieldturf. Minnesota is 0-6 ATS against a team with a winning record.
Vikings are 4-1 ATS last 5 games following a double-digit loss at home.
Over is 5-1 last 6 Monday games.
Key Injuries - B Adrian Peterson (knee) is questionable.
Projected Score: 13 (SIDE of the Day)