Divisional matchups reign in the final week of the NFL regular season as the Week 18 slate includes this NFC North clash between the Minnesota Vikings (12-4, 4-3 Away) and Chicago Bears (3-13, 2-6 Home). As of this writing, we know that kickoff from Soldier Field in Chicago is scheduled for Sunday, but the times for 14 of the 16 games won’t be announced until Monday night. Let’s check the NFL Playoff Bracket.
We can safely assume that this particular contest will not be flexed into the Sunday Night timeslot, but that does not mean there isn’t plenty on the line when these two collide in their second of two regular-season meetings. Continue reading for our breakdown of the Vikings vs Bears spread as we look ahead and consider our NFL picks and parlays.
Vikings vs Bears Odds
Minnesota Vikings Season Forecast
Looking at the NFL schedule will show Minnesota has forced their fans into a lot of fingernail biting, but they have thrived in many of their close games. As you can see from the NFL standings, they’ll enter this one at 12-4 and currently sit in the 3-seed in the NFC.
Moneyline
Opening Line
The Vikings opened -115 on the moneyline.
How the Line Has Moved and Why
There hasn’t been a ton of movement on the moneyline yet as we aren’t even 24 hours removed from their most recent game against the Packers. At publishing time, the Vikings are -120 on the moneyline.
What Make Lose the Bet
The Vikings vs Bears spread is small because its unknown how long the Minnesota starters will play in the finale. They’ve wrapped up the NFC North and can only finish as either the 2 or 3 seed in the conference. Sitting or limiting the likes of Kirk Cousins, Dalvin Cook, Justin Jefferson, and others could hand the Vikes their fifth loss of the year.
Spread Line
Opening Line
The Vikings vs. Bears spread has Minnesota as a 1.5-point favorite for Week 18.
How the Line Has Moved and Why
Again, minimal line movement thus far, with it dipping to 1 for a short time since it opened Sunday night and then going back to the original 1.5 on Monday morning.
What Make Lose the Bet
Because the number is so short, the rationale is the same for Minnesota. They are clearly the superior team in this matchup, so if everyone plays, they should win comfortably. If they decide to rest their starters, Chicago should emerge victorious.
Total
Opening Line
The over/under opened at 46 points.
How the Line Has Moved and Why
The over/under has ticked upwards and currently sits at 47 points.
What Make Lose the Bet
Over bettors have thrived with the Vikings lately, cashing five straight and six of their last seven. The normally high-powered offense was held in check against Green Bay, but against a suspect Chicago defense that just gave up 41 to the Lions, the only way this doesn’t hit is if Nick Mullens plays more snaps than Cousins.
Minnesota Vikings Betting Trend to Know
The Vikings are 8-20-1 ATS in their last 29 against the NFC and 2-6 ATS in their last eight games following an ATS loss.
Chicago Bears Season Forecast
The Chicago Bears next game after Sunday won’t come until the 2023 season, as they have officially been eliminated from playoff contention for some time now. Draft pick positioning is in play in this one as a Bears loss, coupled with a Houston Texans victory, will give Chicago the top selection in next year’s NFL Draft.
Moneyline
Opening Line
The Bears opened -105 on the moneyline.
How the Line Has Moved and Why
There hasn’t been a ton of movement on the moneyline yet, as we aren’t even 24 hours removed from their most recent game against Detroit. At publishing time, the Bears are +100 on the moneyline.
What Make Lose the Bet
The Vikings vs Bears spread is small because it’s unknown how long the Minnesota starters will play in the finale. If Cousins, Jefferson, Cook, Hockenson, etc, sit out some or all of the game, Chicago has a chance. If they play the whole way and make a full effort to secure the 2-seed (depending on what San Francisco does or is doing), it could be tough sledding for the Bears.
Spread Line
Opening Line
The Vikings vs Bears spread has Chicago as a 1.5-point underdog for Week 18.
How the Line Has Moved and Why
Again, minimal line movement thus far, with it dipping to 1 for a short time since it opened Sunday night and then going back to the original 1.5 on Monday morning.
What Make Lose the Bet
Chicago is the inferior team and is coming off an embarrassing 31-point defeat to the Lions. The Bears may be playing out the string while all of their most recent opponents are or were fighting for their playoff lives.
Total
Opening Line
The over/under opened at 46 points.
How the Line Has Moved and Why
The over/under has ticked upwards and currently sits at 47 points.
What Make Lose the Bet
The over has hit in back-to-back Bears games, but that has little to do with the Chicago offense, as they’ve only contributed 23 total points to that cause. We’ve noted ad nauseam the effect the Vikings starters could have on the total, but the same could apply to the Bears, who may want to get a look at some of their backups as well.
Chicago Bears Betting Trend to Know
The Bears are 4-9-1 ATS in their last 14 home games and 3-7 ATS vs. a team with a winning record this season.
Most Profitable Players of this Matchup to Bet On
Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins has had a productive season leading the Vikings, completing 65 percent of his passes this season, and if he plays, should have no problem going over his total. NFL player stats show Cousins has thrown for more than 267 yards in three of his past four games.
Minny running back Dalvin Cook has had a strong season despite spending some time on the NFL injury report. Cook should be able to find a way to get over his total as well if the team lets him suit up for the duration. Of course, when looking at Minnesota Vikings stats, the one that jumps out the most is Justin Jefferson’s 1,771 receiving yards. He’ll look to get back on track after just one catch against the Packers.
Justin Fields is due to score a touchdown with his legs, as he hasn’t found paydirt himself in the team’s last three. As you’ll recall, Fields had a string of six consecutive games this year with a rushing touchdown, and he should be able to get back in the end zone after rushing for 132 yards against Detroit in Week 17. He and David Montgomery are the only real bright spots when scanning the NFL team stats of the Bears.
This appears to be one of the more lopsided NFL matchups, but anything can happen, especially in the final week of the season.
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