The Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears will face off in the final week of the 2022 NFL season, with the Vikings heading to Soldier Field as 7.5-point road favorites. The total for the game sits at 43.0 points.
The Vikings are coming off a disappointing 41-17 loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 17, falling to 12-4 on the season and 6-9-1 against the spread. Despite outgaining the Packers in total yards, 346-315, Minnesota was unable to overcome a 27-3 halftime deficit and lost the turnover battle 4-0. Quarterback Kirk Cousins had a rough outing, throwing for 205 yards, a touchdown, and three interceptions, while also losing a fumble. Wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who leads the league in receptions (124) and receiving yards (1,771), was held to just one catch for 15 yards.
The Vikings have already secured the NFC North title and will likely enter the playoffs as the No. 3 seed. However, they have a chance to move up to the No. 2 seed with a win over the Bears and a loss by the San Francisco 49ers to the Arizona Cardinals. Minnesota has yet to lose back-to-back games this season and will be motivated to avoid a losing streak.
The Bears, on the other hand, are on a nine-game losing streak following a 41-10 defeat to the Detroit Lions in Week 17. Chicago managed just 230 total yards and lost the turnover battle 2-0, while allowing 504 total yards to the Lions. Quarterback Justin Fields struggled, going 7-of-21 for 75 yards, a touchdown, and an interception, while also rushing for 132 yards and losing a fumble. The Bears’ defense was porous, giving up 6.8 yards per carry and 12.1 yards per pass.
Chicago has now scored fewer than 20 points in five straight games and allowed 31 or more in six of their last nine. The team is already looking to the future and hopes to secure a top-two pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. A loss to the Vikings, coupled with a win by the Houston Texans over the Indianapolis Colts, would give the Bears the first overall pick. Journeyman quarterback Nathan Peterman is expected to start in place of the injured Fields for the Bears.
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