NFL Betting Preview: Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings

NFL / Andy Richmond / 28 November 2009 / Leave a Comment

"With an eye on the play-offs, taking care of slumping Chicago and running their division mark to 5-0, will serve as motivation for Minnesota."

The Vikings and Bears both acquired star quarterbacks in the summer and both were expected to lead their teams to the playoffs. So far, it's only working out for one of them as Brett Favre looks to lead the Vikings to their 10th win on Sunday against struggling Jay Cutler and the free-falling Bears. Andy Richmond selects the best bets.

In last Sunday's 35-9 win over Seattle, Brett Favre completed a career-high 88.0 percent of his passes (22 of 25) for 213 yards and four touchdowns. It was his second four-touchdown performance in three games and the 22nd of his career.

In past years, opposing defences have keyed on running back Adrian Peterson and he still amassed 3,101 rushing yards in his first two years in the NFL. This year, defences also have to respect Favre and the passing game that gives the Vikings a balanced attack especially as thay have discovered other weapons, such as receiving duo Percy Harvin and Sidney Rice.

QB Jay Cutler's store is falling as quickly as the Bears record - he leads the league in interceptions with 18, including one which sealed the loss to the Eagles last week on the game's last drive. Settling in on the road will be a daunting task, but the Vikings rank 21st in pass defence and only three teams have fewer interceptions than the unit's seven. Minnesota leads the league with 36 sacks, however, and could pressure Cutler into more mistakes.

The Vikings outscored the Packers and Lions by a total of 122-72 in sweeping both division foes. With an eye on the play-offs, taking care of slumping Chicago and running their division mark to 5-0 will serve as motivation for Minnesota. There are not may teams in the NFL playing better than the Vikings and apart from the Browns and Raiders there are not many playing worse than the Bears. It's a stiff double figure handicap but the free scoring Vikings are more than capable of overcoming that.

Recommendation: Minnesota take it to ten wins, 1pt Vikings -10.5 at [2.0] or better.