Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears: Prediction, Odds, Depth Charts (10/15/23)
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The ailing Minnesota Vikings go on the road to meet the Chicago Bears this Sunday (10/15/23). Get Vikings vs. Bears odds, picks, and predictions; our best bet is alternate over 41.5 total points.
Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears Prediction
The expected weather decreased the total, as Soldier Field likely sees strong winds and a small amount of rain on Sunday afternoon. However, the correction was too much to me based on the matchup.
Chicago fields one of the worst defenses in the NFL. They are 29th in percentage of opponent drives ending in an offensive score, 30th in opponent yards per offensive play, and 31st in opponent expected points added per play. So far, they have given up 38, 27, 41, 31, and 20 points through five weeks.
Chicago’s secondary in particular has completely failed them, which doesn’t bode well against Minnesota. Yes, superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson is out due to injury, but this Vikings offense can still produce without him. First round pick Jordan Addison hasn’t missed a beat transitioning to the NFL, and TJ Hockenson remains an excellent pass-catcher at tight end. Meanwhile, KJ Osborn gives them a versatile option that can play in the slot or outside. Considering how effective Kirk Cousins has been throwing the ball this year, don’t be surprised if the Vikings continue to score at an above average rate, especially against Chicago’s dreadful defense.
On the other side, the Bears are quickly becoming competent on offense. DJ Moore leads the NFL in deep receptions per PFF while being tied first for receiving touchdowns. Justin Fields’ biggest strength is his deep ball, and he’s forging a special connection with Moore. Minnesota is 25th in opponent dropback expected points added per play and 22nd in opponent net yards gained per pass attempt too. Their secondary is routinely getting burned, so Fields and Moore have an excellent chance to light up the scoreboard here.
Overall, both passing offenses face exploitable secondaries that bleed points. Although the weather will dampen their attacks, the two franchises should combine for 42 points here.
Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears: Alternate Over 41.5 Total Points (-138 FD)
Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears Best Odds
The Vikings are favored by three points against the Bears. Minnesota bettors will want to seek a -2.5 line, while Chicago bettors should try to find a +3.5 line. It could be vital for morphing a push into a win. The 44 over under is in the middle of the pack for Sunday games.
Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears Key Injuries
A few of the most notable injuries include Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson, Bears running back Khalil Herbert, and Bears running back Roschon Johnson
Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears Key Matchups
Which team will win these key matchups?
Vikings & Bears Offensive Lines
Aerial attacks are significantly enhanced when the quarterback has a clean pocket and sufficient time to make his progressions. Plus, it’s nearly impossible for every defender on the team to hold their coverage for a prolonged period of time. Therefore, the probability of the over hitting greatly increases if both offensive lines can mostly win their reps and reduce pressure.
Darnell Mooney & Cole Kmet
DJ Moore has been electric for Chicago, but they are often missing that second dangerous threat to alleviate pressure. Mooney and Kmet shine from time to time, but the duo hasn’t consistently punished defenses for marking Moore or Fields’ scrambles too closely. If both pass-catchers can make an impact here, then it will be extremely difficult for Minnesota’s below average secondary to hold their own.
Minnesota Vikings Depth Chart
QB: Kirk Cousins
RB1: Alexander Mattison
RB2: Cam Akers
LWR: Jordan Addison
RWR: KJ Osborn
SWR: Brandon Powell
TE1: TJ Hockenson
Chicago Bears Depth Chart
QB: Justin Fields
RB1: D’Onta Foreman
RB2: Khari Blasingame
LWR: DJ Moore
RWR: Tyler Scott
SWR: Darnell Mooney
TE1: Cole Kmet
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