Bengals vs Cowboys:
When: 8:00 PM ET, Monday, December 16, 2024
Where: U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minnesota Vikings (-6.5) vs. Chicago Bears (+6.5): Monday Night Breakdown
The Minnesota Vikings (11-2) are surging, riding a six-game win streak into Monday night’s prime-time showdown against the Chicago Bears (4-9). At the center of this run? Sam Darnold, the 27-year-old quarterback who’s proving skeptics wrong week after week.
Darnold’s breakout performance last week was impossible to ignore—347 passing yards and 5 TDs in a win over Atlanta. The big question is, can he keep the momentum going? With free agency looming and the Vikings eyeing a deep playoff run, this game is another showcase for Darnold to build his case.
The Vikings’ Edge:
Minnesota’s offense is humming. With weapons like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson, Darnold has no shortage of options. Jefferson continues to torch defenses, hauling in 75 receptions for 1,170 yards and 7 touchdowns this season. The Bears’ secondary is going to have its hands full.
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell is confident in his QB:
“Sam’s making big-time throws. He’s ascending in this system, and I’m confident he’ll keep rising.”
On the ground, Aaron Jones provides balance with 893 rushing yards and 4 TDs this year. The Bears’ front seven will need to step up, but injuries could play a role. Chicago’s defensive lineman Gervon Dexter Sr. (knee) and RB Roschon Johnson (concussion) are question marks heading into the matchup.
Bears Outlook: Future Focus, Caleb Williams Improving
Rookie QB Caleb Williams is the silver lining in Chicago’s season. He’s putting up respectable numbers: 2,746 passing yards, 16 TDs, 5 INTs, and 405 rushing yards. Even more impressive, Williams hasn’t thrown a pick in his last seven games. The Bears may be building for the future, but Williams’ poise and aggressiveness are shining through:
“He’s not playing scared,” said Bears interim coach Thomas Brown. “He’s ripping throws into tight windows.”
Williams’ key targets include DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, and Keenan Allen. Moore leads the way with 68 catches, 712 yards, and 5 TDs. On the ground, D’Andre Swift has 742 rushing yards but is battling a groin injury, leaving his status in doubt.
Key Matchups to Watch:
Vikings’ Passing Game vs. Bears’ SecondaryJefferson, Addison, and Hockenson are matchup nightmares. If Darnold gets time in the pocket, it could be a long night for Chicago. Coach Brown summed it up: “Jefferson’s a problem. There’s no magical answer for elite players.”
Caleb Williams vs. Vikings’ DefenseWilliams is showing improvement, but this Vikings defense knows how to close games. With CB Stephon Gilmore (hamstring) a question mark, there’s an opening for Chicago to attack through the air.
Minnesota’s Momentum vs. Bears’ EffortThe Vikings are in playoff mode, while the Bears are essentially playing for pride and development. Will Chicago bring enough energy to hang around on the road?
Betting Trends:
Vikings are 5-1 ATS in their last six games.
Bears are 2-5 ATS in their last seven.
The Over has hit in 4 of the Vikings’ last 5 games.
