Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears NFL Predictions & Spreads

Written by Jimmy Boyd on December 26, 2009

The 11-3 Minnesota Vikings take on the 5-9 Chicago Bears at Soldier Field in a Week 16 NFC North Division battle on ESPN’s Monday Night Football. Last week was one both teams would like to forget as Minnesota fell 26-7 to Carolina and Chicago went down 31-7 to Baltimore. These two teams last met back in Week 12 with Minnesota rolling 36-10 behind three touchdowns strikes by Brett Favre. That win was the fourth in the last five meetings for the Vikes, who hold a 52-43-2 lead in the all-time series. NFL lines makers have listed the Minnesota Vikings as a 7-point favorite with the total set at 41.

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Brett Favre and Brad Childress say they have squashed the beef, but have they really? As most of you know, Favre was not happy about Childress’ decision to sit him last week, and beyond that, his complaints over checking out of running plays too often. One thing is certain, a big win over Chicago this week would almost certainly put the feud to rest. But a loss could mean the Vikings are falling apart at the worst possible time.

Favre is having a great season, having thrown a career-low seven interceptions, but Childress seems to be right on the money when he says that star running back Adrian Peterson needs to see more of the football. Peterson is tied for the league lead with 15 touchdowns, but he hasn’t broke the century mark since Week 10 and is averaging only 3.1 yards per carry during this stretch. Peterson usually plays well against the Bears and a big game at this stage in the season would be a nice confidence booster with the playoffs quickly approaching. It is worth noting that the Bears are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 games overall. If you think Chicago’s against the spread skid will continue, bet the Vikings at -7 at Bodog.

The Bears had high hopes of a division title this season after getting pretty close to one last year, but they are already eliminated from playoff contention and the QB they bet the farm on leads the entire NFL with 25 interceptions. It’s been a good run in Chicago for head coach Lovie Smith, who took the Bears to a Super Bowl, but it appears his days could be numbered. Smith could use a big win over the Vikings this week to show management that he deserves another shot next year. The good news is the Bears will be at home where they have a winning record against a Vikings team that has endured all three of its losses on the road. It is worth noting that the home team is 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings and the Vikings are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 meetings in Chicago. If you like the home team to continue its against the spread dominance in this matchup, bet the Bears at +7 at Bodog.

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