The Chicago Bears are going to end their season with Jay Cutler starting after all. Cutler, who has been a constant source of vitriol for Bears fans because of his unsteady play, could be playing his last game as a Bear this coming Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. Will Cutler end the season (and probably his stint with the team) on a positive note? Or will the Vikings avenge their Week 11 loss at the hands of Chicago?
The last week of the NFL’s regular season carries a lot of intrigue. Check out our complete run down of all the games in Week 17 here.
[sc:Football ]Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings Betting Preview and Prediction
Where: TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis
When: Sunday, December 28, 1:00 PM ET
Line: Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings – see all NFL lines
Betting on the Chicago Bears
Jimmy Clausen’ 15 minutes this season are now officially over. The Bears backup quarterback suffered a concussion in the Bears’ 20-14 loss to the Detroit Lions last Sunday, which means Chicago will have $100-million signal-caller Jay Cutler under center in the team’s season-finale against Minnesota this coming Sunday.
[sc:NFL240banner ]Cutler was last seen on the field during Chicago’s 31-15 home loss to the New Orleans Saints in Week 15, when he passed for only 194 yards with two touchdowns and had three interceptions. His 18 total interceptions currently lead the NFL. Cutler, however, messed up against the Saints in part because of a loose Chicago offensive line that allowed New Orleans’ 31st-ranked defense to sack him seven times.
If Chicago’s O-line can sustain their terrific effort in the Detroit game, wherein Clausen was only sacked twice, then Cutler could see a repeat of his relatively great performance back in the Bears’ 21-13 win over and Vikings in Week 11. Cutler completed 31 of 43 passes for 33 yards and three touchdowns with two interceptions in the first meeting with Minnesota.
Wide receiver Alshon Jeffrey and running back Matt Forte also had great showings in Week 11. Jeffrey had 11 receptions for 135 yards with a touchdown, while Forte had 117 yards on 26 carries from the Bears’ backfield.
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Betting on the Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings entered Sunday’s contest against the Miami Dolphins boasting one of the best passing defenses in the league. But they finished the ball game scratching their heads, confused on how Miami quarterback Ryan Tannehill was able to shred their defense for 396 passing yards and four touchdowns.
A week after losing to the Detroit Lions 16-14, Minnesota lost in yet another close game, as they were defeated by the Dolphins on Sunday, 37-35. As mentioned, Tannehill abused the Vikings’ defense which began the day with 38 sacks under their belt. The ineffectiveness of the Vikings’ pass rush will be a major concern for head coach Mike Zimmer heading into their Week 17 matchup against Chicago’s inconsistent offensive line.
Despite the loss, Teddy Bridgewater still turned heads with his excellent quarterback play. Notwithstanding his protection unit’s poor play that allowed Miami to sack him four times, the rookie managed to pass for 259 yards and two touchdowns with an interception. Bridgewater’s creativity was on full display in that game, as he hooked up with nine different receivers. Bridgewater should be able to perform better next Sunday against the Bears, who are giving up 269.3 passing yards allowed per game, second worst in the NFL.
The Vikings are 4-0 ATS in their last four home games.
Writer’s Prediction
Minnesota wins, 29-24.
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