THE MATCHUPMinnesota Vikings (11-3) vs Chicago Bears (5-9)
Soldier Field, Chicago Illinois
Monday, December 28, 2009 @ 8:30 pm ET
TV
ESPN 8:30 pm EST
WEATHER FORECAST
Mostly clear. Lows 11 to 20. Northwest winds 10 to 20 mph.
LAST WEEK
The Vikings were beaten badly in Carolina, 26-7.
The Bears were embarrasses by the Ravens, 31-7
THE LINE
Vikings are the favorite (-7.5). Over/Under is 41
2009 TRENDS AGAINST THE SPREAD (REGULAR SEASON)
The Vikings are 8-5 ATS
The Vikings are 4-3 ATS away
The Vikings are 1-1 ATS as the underdog
The Vikings are 1-1 ATS as an away underdog
The Bears are 4-10 ATS
The Bears are 3-4 ATS at home
The Bears are 1-8 ATS as the underdog
The Bears are 1-2 ATS as a home underdog
Head-to-Head
MINNESOTA is 3-2 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 4-1 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
PREDICTION
Vikings 24 Bears 21
Even though the Bears are out of playoff contention, the rivalry between the two teams should make it one of the more exciting games in the NFL this week. They are 7-1 against the Vikings at home since 2001 and there are rumors that coach Lovey Smith's job is on the line. And QB Jay Cutler is way overdue for a great game. Despite a great effort, the Bears will fall short.
It seems that Brad Childress had an offensive plan starting on day 1 and Bret Favre conformed to his plan. Now it appears Favre has gone away from Brad's plan in favor of his own style of offense. But the Bret Favre "style" offense hasn't been as effective. Favre has thrown for 3 TDs and 4 interceptions in the last three games. Could this be the real reason there is friction between Childress and Favre?
Two other important notes:
Viking All Pro running back Adrian Peterson hasn't had a 100-yard game in the last three games.
Ever since Vikings linebacker E.J. Henderson broke his leg against the Arizona Cardinals, the Vikings defense has become vulnerable.
INJURY REPORT
| Vikings | Pos | Injury | Status |
| Pat Williams | DT | Elbow | Questionable |
| Brian Robison | DE | Quadricep | Probable |
| Antoine Winfield | CB | Foot | Probable |
| Steve Hutchinson | G | Shoulder | Probable |
| Bears | Pos | Injury | Status |
| Charles Tillman | CB | Non-Injury | DNP Last Game |
| Lance Briggs | LB | Back | DNP Last Game |
| Desmond Clark | TE | Illness | DNP Last Game |
| Adewale Ogunleye | DE | Lower Leg | Out |
sources: nfl.com, espn.com, nydailynews.com, thespread.com
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