Vikings vs. Bears Prediction
With the Vikings likely to rest most of their starters and the Bears sitting starter Justin Fields with nothing on the line, which side makes the most ATS sense in Sunday’s Minnesota-Chicago matchup at 1:00 p.m. ET?
Game Matchup & Betting Odds
481 Minnesota Vikings (-7) at 482 Chicago Bears (+7); o/u 42.5
1:00 p.m. ET, Sunday, January 8, 2023
Solider Field, Chicago, IL
Vikings vs. Bears Public Betting Information
Our NFL Public Betting Information page indicates that 62% of public bettors are currently backing the Vikings when it comes to the spread. This information is subject to change throughout the day, however, so be sure to check the link so you’re receiving the most up-to-date public betting data.
Minnesota Vikings DFS Spin
Purple Insider’s Matthew Coller reports Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell talked about some of the team’s backups getting reps in Week 18. O’Connell has been adamant that his starters will play in Week 18. The Vikings still have some seeding reasons to want a win versus the Bears, but their motivation is lower than usual. Per O’Connell, Minnesota has a “clear cut plan” for the whole game. This seems to indicate there will be a hard cutoff point for the starters. ESPN’s Kevin Seifert also noted that backup quarterback Nick Mullens got some reps with starting center Chris Reed in practice. For fantasy purposes, saying this game is risky would be putting it lightly.
Chicago Bears DFS Spin
Bears coach Matt Eberflus said Justin Fields’ hip injury is not a long-term issue. Fields was dealing with hip soreness throughout his Week 17 game against the Lions. An MRI on Monday revealed a strain but nothing more. He ends the year 64 yards shy of the single-season rushing record for a quarterback. He did, however, get second place in a number of rushing categories, including rush attempts (160) and rushing yards (1,143) by a quarterback. Fields also made strides as a passer, doubling his touchdown rate from 2021, en route to 17 scores through the air. He also averaged 7.1 yards per throw, a slight improvement over his rookie season. Fileds still showed an uncanny ability to take sacks, many of which resulted in catastrophic losses. Heading into the final week of the season, he leads all quarterbacks in sacks and yardage lost on sacks. Despite the mistakes and low passing volume, Fields’ rushing output made him a threat to lead all quarterbacks in fantasy scoring every week over the second half of the season. With an improved line and better receiving talent, he could pair his rushing prowess with better passing numbers next season. Entering 2023, Fields will undoubtedly be considered a top-five fantasy quarterback by many.
Vikings vs. Bears Betting Trends
Under is 7-1 in the last 8 meetings in Chicago
Over is 19-7 in Vikings last 26 games overall
Over is 13-5 in Vikings last 18 road games
Over is 8-2 in Bears last 10 games overall
Vikings vs. Bears Prediction:
The Vikings are just 5-14 against the spread in their last 19 games at Solider Field, are 0-4 against the number in their last four games overall and are winless at the betting window in their last four divisional games as well. Even with the Bears set to start Nathan Peterman on Sunday, once the Vikings start pulling their starters the playing field will be even. If Minnesota starts that at halftime or earlier, I’ll be glad to have the seven points in my back pocket (even with a bad Chicago team).
NFL WEEK 18 PREDICTION: CHICAGO BEARS +7
