NFL Handicapping – Bears vs Vikings
The Chicago Bears have lost their last 5 games to fall out of the playoff race and under .500. Truth be told I never really saw them as a legit contender and if they finish at .500 that seems about right, even though their path to getting there was different than expected.
Minneapolis Metrodome – Minneapolis, MN,
Sunday January 1 – 1:00PM
Moneyline: Minnesota -120, Chicago +100
Spread (ATS): Minnesota -1
Over/Under: 41
Odds courtesy of 5Dimes
Chicago
You could make a case that after Peyton Manning, the injury to Jay Cutler was the most significant in the league this season.
That is because the combination of Caleb Hanie and Josh McCown have gotten nothing done – and that might be an understatement. Sure it hasn’t helped that running back Matt Forte has also missed time due to injury but a playoff calibre team should have some degree of depth. This is a case of the GM letting down the squad as much as anything.
Given what we have seen of both of these teams I was surprised that the number here was so small. I am guessing that some thing the Bears will muster some pride as they close the season against the Vikings. The problem isn’t really pride though, it is offense. They have scored more than 14 points just twice during their second half swoon.
Minnesota
It is a lost season on many levels but I like what I saw from the Minnesota Vikings last week. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
I predicted they would upset Washington last week in part because I thought the Skins would stumble but Minnesota certainly rose to the occasion too. It will be interesting to see how they play the finale against the Bears. Will they experiment or play to win at all costs?
Last week we may have seen the emergence of QBJoe Webb. The mobile QB connected for two touchdowns on just four completions providing a spark to the team. Speaking of spark Toby Gerhart has also been filling in admirably for Adrian Peterson and last week gained 109 yards on just 11 carries showing the burst that made him a top pick a couple of years ago.
The Vikings might actually have a little momentum heading into their season finale. They won last week, are facing a reeling Bears team and have learned that Adrian Peterson’s injury might not be as bad as originally thought. That’s about as much good vibes as this team as had all season. Look for them to close with another victory.
ATS Pick: Minnesota -1
Over/Under Pick: Over
Score Prediction: Minnesota 28 – Chicago 17
