Vikings at Bears Predictions: Who Wins The Regular Season Finale in Chicago?
This week's Vikings game (at Chicago, noon central time, FOX) doesn't come with the usual stakes of a regular season NFL contest, but that doesn't make it meaningless.
There's a chance, albeit a very slim one, that the Vikings could move back to the No. 2 seed in the NFC. If they beat the Bears and the 49ers lose a stunner against the David Blough-led Cardinals later in the afternoon, the Vikings would jump past San Francisco.
That's probably not happening. But the Vikings still want to close their regular season with a victory for several reasons. One is that it would be a good way to head into the postseason with some momentum, especially after last Sunday's tough defeat in Green Bay. Another is that getting to 13 wins and sweeping the Bears would be cool accomplishments in the first year of the Kevin O'Connell era.
In the history of the Minnesota Vikings, 13 wins is a mark that has only been reached in 1998 and 2017. Those came in 16-game seasons, and the Vikings went at least 11-3 in a 14-game season six times between 1969 and 1976, the franchise's golden era. Still, getting to 13 wins in O'Connell's first season would be a nice number to reach.
The 3-13 Bears are starting Nathan Peterman at quarterback and would be best suited to lose, given that the No. 1 overall pick is still within reach with a Texans win over the Colts. The Vikings will open the game playing starters, but it sounds like many of them won't play the entire game.
That means Justin Jefferson probably won't play long enough to have a shot at getting 194 yards, which he needs to break the NFL's single-season record.
Who wins this game? For the last time in the regular season, let's start with my prediction and then dive into some picks from national analysts.
Will's pick: Vikings 30, Bears 13
2022 record: 12-4
The Vikings haven't won a game by more than eight points since Week 1 against the Packers, nearly four full months ago. If there were ever a time to do it again, it's this week. The Bears are an abysmal team, and they're starting Nathan Peterman, who is maybe the least successful NFL quarterback of the last decade. Winning comfortably should be the expectation for the Vikings, no matter how long they play their starters. If Peterman lights up Minnesota's defense...I don't even know what my reaction would be. I don't think it'll happen, but I can't pretend I would be truly shocked if it did.
National predictions
Gregg Rosenthal, NFL.com: Vikings 27, Bears 13
It’s quietly been a down year for Dalvin Cook. Facing the Bears could be a much-needed confidence boost for the sixth-year back and his team heading into the playoffs. The only two-score win by the Vikings this year was in Week 1, and this is a great chance to bookend the season with easy victories. The Bears defense is getting pushed around, and Justin Fields’ absence removes any chance of Chicago putting up a fight.
Bleacher Report Staff: Vikings 30, Bears 13
If the Vikings win and the San Francisco 49ers lose to the Arizona Cardinals in the second wave of Sunday games, they would move up from the No. 3 seed to the No. 2 spot in the NFC. On top of postseason seeding to play for in Week 18, Minnesota must wipe off the stench of a 41-17 loss to Green Bay. Coming off an awful performance, the Vikings need positive momentum heading into the playoffs.
Meanwhile, Chicago will start Nathan Peterman over Justin Fields (hip) for this contest. Since 2020, the former has completed six out of 11 passes for 50 yards and an interception in the regular season. The Vikings will take advantage of a rusty backup quarterback and thump the Bears on their field.
Mike Florio, PFT: Vikings 24, Bears 13
The Vikings need a confidence builder as they prepare to inevitably lose by 30 or more points in the divisional round.
Michael David Smith, PFT: Vikings 21, Bears 3
With Nathan Peterman as starting quarterback, the Bears’ offense is going to be ugly.
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: Vikings 31, Bears 19
The Vikings aren't playing very well, but they still have 12 victories and can lock up the second seed by winning this one. The Bears looked awful last week in losing to the Lions. The Bears will play better here, but I think Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson light them up.
Mark Craig, Minneapolis Star Tribune: Vikings 30, Bears 17
The Vikings defense is capable of making even Nathan Peterman a 300-yard passer, but Da Bears officially gave up on winning a fourth game three weeks ago when they last showed life in a five-point loss to Philly. With no Justin Fields, Chicago assures itself of a 10th straight loss.
Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: Vikings 30, Bears 24
The Vikings don't have much on the line here as they probably will be the No. 3 seed behind the 49ers and NFC East champions no matter what. But they need a good tuneup for Kirk Cousins, Justin Jefferson, Dalvin Cook and the offense. Their defense also can feel better about ripping into a weak attack.
Seth Walder, ESPN: Vikings 20, Bears 13
Eric Moody, ESPN: Vikings 23, Bears 10
What to watch for: Justin Fields' second NFL season ends 64 yards shy of the single-season quarterback rushing record after he was ruled out against Minnesota with a hip injury. Nathan Peterman will start for Chicago. Meanwhile, the NFC No. 2 seed is still in play for the Vikings so long as they win at Soldier Field and the 49ers lose to the Cardinals. — Courtney Cronin
Bold prediction: The Vikings' defense will have its best statistical day of the season with Fields sidelined. Even with Fields on the field, the Bears managed just 230 yards last week against the Lions' woeful defense. The Vikings enter this game giving up 396.8 yards per game, No. 31 in the NFL. Their season low for yards allowed was 263 in Week 9 at Washington. They'll hold the Bears below that threshold. — Kevin Seifert
Stat to know: Kirk Cousins is tied with Dak Prescott and Derek Carr for league-lead in interceptions (14).
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