Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings, 12/27/18 NFL Predictions & Preview

Bears vs. Vikings Total Prediction

In a game with playoff implications, will the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears put up a big total on Sunday at 4:25PM ET?

Game Snapshot & Odds

325 Chicago Bears vs. 326 Minnesota Vikings

Sunday, December 30, 2018

4:25PM ET – U.S. Bank Stadium

TV: FOX

Public Betting Trends

According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, the Vikings are favored at home, as they are getting odds of -4.5 points against the Bears. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 40.5 points. The public betting for this game currently has 67 percent going on the Bears on the road.

Bears seek bye

The Chicago Bears have already locked up the NFC North and at least the third seed in the playoffs. They can earn a first-round bye with a win on Sunday and a loss by the Rams. Chicago has won three straight following a 14-9 win at San Francisco last week. The Bears are 11-4 overall, 4-3 on the road, 11-4 against the spread and 8-7 with the over.

The Bears are led this season by their defense, which is allowing just 18.2 points and 308.7 yards per game. Their run defense ranks second in the NFL, allowing only 81.1 per contest. Offensively, Chicago puts up 26.5 points and 344.7 yards per contest. Mitchell Trubisky has thrown for 3,060 yards and 24 touchdowns with 12 interceptions. Jordan Howard is the team’s leading rusher with 826 yards and seven scores. Khalil Mack is leading the defense this season with 47 tackles and 12.5 sacks.

Vikings hanging on for life

The Minnesota Vikings currently have the sixth spot in the NFC playoffs and they can advance with a win or tie on Sunday or a loss or tie by the Eagles against the Redskins. Minnesota has won two straight games, beating the Lions last week in Detroit 27-9. Minnesota is 8-6-1 on the season, 5-2 at home, 8-6-1 against the spread and 9-6 with the under.

Minnesota has been led by its defense as well, as the Vikings are giving up just 21.1 points and 308.2 yards per game. They have amassed 50 sacks and 20 turnovers this year. Offensively, the Vikings are putting up 23.3 points per game while averaging 357.7 yards per contest. Their rushing attack ranks 30^th in the NFL at 95.3 yards per game. Kirk Cousins is leading the team with 4,166 yards and 29 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Adam Thielen is the leading receiver with 110 receptions for 1,335 yards and nine touchdowns. Danielle Hunter is leading the defense with 68 tackles and 14.5 sacks.

NFL Betting Trends

Chicago

The Bears have hit the under in eight of their last nine December games and in five of their last six on fieldturf.

Minnesota

The Vikings have hit the under in seven of their last eight home games against a team with a winning road record and in 21 of their last 28 division games.

Prediction:

These two narrowly hit the over in their first meeting, a 25-20 victory at Chicago for the Bears. This game has a lot on the line for both teams, but it is possible Chicago could take its foot off the gas. Still, the Bears will go into the game thinking they need the win so I anticipate a full effort from them. Chicago’s defense should be able to get a strong rush on Cousins and stuff the maligned rush for the Vikings. Minnesota’s defense should also create a lot of problems for the Bears, who haven’t shown a lot of ability to drive down the field consistently this year.

NFL Prediction: Bears/Vikings Under 40.5