Minnesota Vikings Open as Tepid Week 12 Favorite vs Bears

Through their first ten games of the season, the Minnesota Vikings find themselves owners of an 8-2 record. No one saw that coming, and they currently trail just two teams across the entire NFL. Sunday’s contest in Chicago is the final road matchup, of a three-game midseason stretch, and Kevin O’Connell’s team once again finds itself favored as the away team.

Sam Darnold nearly lost the game for the Vikings, in Jacksonville, but they pulled out a 12-7 win, despite his ugliest performance of the season. On Sunday, he bounced back in Tennessee, and led Minnesota to a 23-13 victory.

Minnesota Vikings open as slight road favorites vs Chicago Bears

In week 12, Darnold will lead the Minnesota Vikings vs a Chicago Bears team that has lost four straight games, including a week 11 heartbreaker vs the Packers. Sam and the purple kicked off the week Monday, as road favorites for the third-straight week, this time by just 3.5 points.

The #Vikings open as 3.5 point favorites this weekend against the #Bears at Soldier Field.#Skol

— Ted (@tlschwerz) November 18, 2024

It is not easy to win on the road, and over the years Soldier Field has given the Minnesota Vikings problems. Kevin O’Connell did coach the Vikings to a victory there last season, but they also dropped their home game against the Bears.

Related: What We Learned About the Minnesota Vikings in Latest Underwhelming Win Over Titans

What to expect from the Bears in week 12

This team is better than Chicago, in every facet, and there is no reason why a 2-0 record can’t be accomplished against the divisional foe, in 2024. If there is a reason for caution, it’s based on history, and the reality that all of Chicago’s wins have come at home.

The Chicago Bears recently fired their offensive coordinator and responded with a one-point loss at home against Green Bay that ended in a blocked field goal that would have given the Bears their 5th win of the season. Instead, they enter this matchup 4-6, and needing a win to stay in the NFC playoff race.

2024 No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams continues to struggle and has just a 9 TDs vs 5 INT on his rookie season. The offense has some formidable weapons, but thus far has been unable to harness their abilities. Chicago started 4-2 through the first six weeks, but they are yet to beat a team above .500.

Related: Should Minnesota Vikings Fans Be Worried About Dallas Turner?

A win would send a 9-2 Minnesota Vikings team back home to U.S. Bank Stadium for a date with the Arizona Cardinals (that may be flexed to prime time). The playoffs appear to be a certainty, but a more convincing victory over a sub-par opponent would be a welcomed change of pace.