The Chicago Bears are currently on top of the NFC North division with a 6-3 record, but the Minnesota Vikings are breathing down their necks with a 5-3 slate. A win by Chicago would create some separation between them and the Vikings, but will Minnesota allow that? Read on for a preview of this marquee matchup between two legitimate NFL squads.
The Bears are +125 to win the NFC North, while the Vikings are priced at +130.
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Betting Preview for the Minnesota Vikings vs Chicago Bears NFL Week 11 Game on November 18, 2018
Where: Soldier Field, Chicago
When: Sunday, November 18, 2018, 8:20 PM ET
Line: Minnesota Vikings (+2.5) vs Chicago Bears (-2.5) – view all 2018 NFL lines
TV Broadcast: NBC
Team Injury Reports
Both teams are dealing with key injuries that could impact their performances. For the Vikings, Stefon Diggs is nursing a rib injury, although he is expected to play. His condition will need monitoring as game day approaches. The Bears, on the other hand, are without Kyle Long, their standout offensive guard, who is sidelined with a foot injury.
These injuries shape the game plan for each team. Minnesota might need to focus more on their rushing attack if Diggs is limited. Chicago's offensive line will have to adapt quickly to maintain their running lanes without Long. Keeping an eye on the latest injury updates will be important for anyone looking to place a bet on this matchup.
Betting on the Minnesota Vikings (5-3-1)
The Vikings are fine. After losing to the New Orleans Saints at home, 30-20, in Week 8, Minnesota got a feel-good pick-me-up 24-9 victory over the Detroit Lions at home in Week 9 to send the Vikings to a Week 10 bye with some momentum. The return of running back Dalvin Cook from a five-week absence due to a hamstring injury certainly lit a fire underneath Minnesota, as the former Florida State Seminoles star had 89 rushing yards on 10 carries, while Latavius Murray had 31 rushing yards and a touchdown on 10 attempts. There’s not going to be as much space for the Vikings to run against the Bears, so Minnesota quarterback Kirk Cousins needs to have find success on the air to loosen up Chicago’s defense. Cousins inly had 164 passing yards to go along with a touchdown and an interception on just 18-of-22 completions. He was well protected, though, as he was only sacked once. Prolific wide receiver Adam Thielen has been limited in practice on Wednesday, and though that does not rule him out for Sunday’s game, it’s a situation that needs to be closely monitored before making a bet.
The Vikings are 2-0-1 in their last three road games.
Betting on the Chicago Bears (6-3)
Prior to the season, the Bears’ defense was what many though would give them their identity. While that remains to be the case, Chicago’s offense is making the team a scarier animal to deal with. Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky is becoming more and more confidence under center each passing week. Just last Sunday, Trubisky passed for 355 yards and three touchdowns on 23-of-30 completions in a 34-22 win over the Detroit Lions at home. Going back to Chicago’s defense, expect Khalil Mack to make plays again. After missing two weeks due to an ankle injury, Mack announced his return to action by recording two sacks, two quarterback hits, and five total tackles against the Lions. On the season, Mack has seven sacks, four forced fumbles, and an interception. The Bears are allowing 19.4 points per game and 319.6 total yards per contest, both fourth best in the NFL right now.
Chicago, which is second in the NFL with 30 sacks this season, is 5-1 ATS in its last six home games.
Historical Matchup Performance
In recent years, the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings have had tight contests, with both teams having almost equal wins in their last ten matchups. The Bears slightly edge with six victories, often dominating at Soldier Field. Notably, their defense has consistently managed to disrupt Minnesota's offense in these encounters, particularly with turnovers.
The Vikings, however, have shown resilience and always play a strong second half, often closing gaps in the score. Each team has a star player who tends to perform well in these matchups. Adam Thielen for the Vikings tends to rack up yards against the Bears, while Khalil Mack regularly pressures the Vikings’ quarterbacks, making for an intriguing face-off once again.
Writer’s Prediction
Chicago wins, 27-23.
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