Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears, 12/30/18 NFL Predictions & Odds

Vikings vs. Bears Prediction

Will the Minnesota Vikings step up in a must-win situation when they take on the Chicago Bears today 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 -5.5 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 55 percent going on the Bears on the road.

Vikings must win

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. They have covered the spread in their last two.

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.

Bears still rolling

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. They have covered the spread in three straight.

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.

NFL Betting Trends

Minnesota

The Vikings are 2-8 against the spread in their last 10 against a team with a winning record. And 3-7-1 ATS in their last 11 games following a win.

Chicago

The Bears have covered the spread in six straight division games and in seven of their last eight conference games.

Prediction:

Chicago has reasons to play well and the Bears are the better team overall. Getting an off week could do a lot for the Bears and the Rams will be short-handed today, giving them reason to believe they can take the second seed in the NFC. Kirk Cousins doesn’t have a great history of coming through in the clutch and this season hasn’t been a shining example of strong play for the Vikings. I think the Bears will be too much for them, even with their backs against the wall.

NFL Prediction: Chicago Bears +5.5

Related: Bears vs. Vikings Total Prediction