Kick-off is set for 1:00 p.m. at legendary Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois.
The Vikings are -2.5 away favorites with a 44.5 point total. Who will win this important NFC North contest? Find out when we preview the Vikings vs. Bears for Week 6 on Sunday, October 15.
Vikings Without Jefferson
Minnesota was dealt a huge blow earlier this week with the news that leading wideout Justin Jefferson would miss the next four weeks with a hamstring injury. Wideout KJ Osborne becomes QB Kirk Cousins top target but it’s a huge loss for an offense that relies on Jefferson as much as they do.
The Vikings haven’t scored a rushing TD this season but they do have 13 passing TDs with Jefferson pulling in three. Jordan Addison also has three TD receptions so it isn’t like Minnesota doesn’t have weapons because they do–Jefferson happens to be the best one in the game.
The Minnesota defense hasn’t been good at all. They allow 24.4 points per game but their rushing defense is much better than the passing defense is. The Vikings allow the 18th most yards per contest, 19th in sacks with 18 passes defended and 1 interception this season.
Bears Offense Finding Second Gear
The Bears are coming off their first victory of the season at Washington and have scored 68 points over their last two games. That’s more than they scored in their first three contests combined but they’ve also allowed 51 points over their last two as well.
Bears QB Justin Field has been a one-man show, throwing eight TD passes with just one interception over his last two matchups with an additional 82 rushing yards. Wideout DJ Moore leads the team in receptions, receiving yards and TDs and RB Khalil Herbert is the top ground gainer.
The Bears’ defense is probably worse than the Vikings defense. They’ve allowed the third most points while allowing 295 passing and 98 rushing yards per matchup. Chicago is 29th in yards allowed with very little pass rush, 16 passes defended, and three interceptions.
Vikings vs. Bears Best Bet
We have two offenses that can score points and two defenses that will let them score, and my best bet is for this game to go Over 44.5 (-110) at FanDuel Sportsbook Illinois.
Four of the five Vikings games this season have gone Under the total, but all five Bears games have exceeded the total. I think Chicago will win and score big against a Minnesota defense that can’t stop the run or the pass. Fields and his offense can score the football, and they won’t face much opposition on Sunday against a Vikings defense, allowing nearly 25 points per game.
Minnesota may not have Jefferson, but they have enough weapons to score the football against one of the worst defenses in football. The Bears have allowed 30+ in three of their last five, and 44.5 isn’t enough for this matchup. Play Over 44.5 (-110) at FanDuel Sportsbook.
For more Illinois sports betting picks, check us out here at IL Betting.
