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Minnesota Vikings vs Chicago Bears NFL Sports Betting Guide

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Both teams come into this game at 2-1 on the season. The Vikings looked great in a pair of home wins, beating the Falcons and Raiders by a combined score of 62-26. However, they stumbled at Green Bay (21-16) in Week 2, and this divisional matchup will be played on the road as well. 

The Bears will return home after picking up a pair of road victories over Denver (16-14) and Washington (31-15). It goes without saying that defense is Chicago’s strength, as they currently rank top-10 in total defense and tied for first in turnover margin. Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky finally got things going last Monday night (231-3-1), but that came against a vulnerable Washington defense. It will be interesting to see if he can keep that momentum against this strong Minnesota defense. 

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Details

  • Opening Lines: The spread opened at Bears -3, falling slightly in favor of the Vikings. The total has dropped a point from opening at 39 as well. 
  • Current Line: Bears -2.5 at FanDuel Sportsbook
  • O/U: 38 at FanDuel Sportsbook
  • Location: Soldier Field – Chicago, IL
  • Start Time: 4:25pm ET
  • Television: CBS
  • Last Meeting: December 30, 2018 – Bears defeated Vikings 24-10 in Minneapolis

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Overview

I’m not expecting either quarterback to get much going with two of the best defenses in the league taking the field. However, the Vikings have an edge in the running game with playmaker Dalvin Cook tallying 6.6 yards per carry this season with 375 rushing yards and four touchdowns through three games. Sure, that came against softer competition, but Minnesota’s ability to post a legitimate rushing attack should help take some pressure off quarterback Kirk Cousins. That’s key when you are facing a pass rush featuring Khalil Mack and company. 

From the Bears’ perspective, this game lies on the shoulders of quarterback Mitchell Trubisky. There’s no telling which version we’ll see on Sunday afternoon, but the Vikings have had his number in recent contests, as the Bears’ quarterback is averaging just 158 yards in four career tilts with Minnesota. He has only thrown two touchdowns with three interceptions in those games. It’s a tricky proposition to back a home favorite with an arguably worse running game and quarterback. 

Trends

  • The Vikings are 2-8-1 ATS in their last 11 as a road underdog. 
  • The Vikings are 8-2 to the under as an underdog in the past two years. 
  • The Bears are 12-5-1 ATS at home in the past two years.  
  • The Bears are 7-4 to the under as a home team in the past two years. 

Prop Bets

Mitchell Trubisky UNDER 227.5 Passing Yards
I already tipped my had on this one, but Trubisky has not been able to throw for more than 178 yards in any of his four meetings with the Vikings. In fact, things went very well for the Chicago quarterback last Monday at Washington, and he barely passed this over/under with 231 yards in a much friendlier matchup. Take the under here. 

Bottom Line

The Vikings have a better rushing attack with more playmakers on offense. Sure, Minnesota came up short in their last, gritty road contest (21-15 at Green Bay), but I believe the Vikings can exercise their demons to pull off the outright victory as a small underdog. Take the Vikings plus the points, or on the moneyline if you feel so inclined. 

Pick: Vikings +2.5 at FanDuel Sportsbook

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Spencer Limbach is a featured writer at BettingPros and FantasyPros. For more from Spencer, check out his archive and follow him @spencer_jl.