NFL Odds – Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings

Due to the collapse of the Metrodome in Minnesota, the Vikings are playing another ‘home game’ away from home. Check the NFL betting odds for the matchup at the University of Minnesota stadium and the Bears are 9-point road favorites.

Monday, December 20 @ 8:30pm EST on ESPN

NFL Betting Odds: Chicago Bears (-9) vs. Minnesota Vikings (+9)

Total: 33

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These divisional rivals met on November 14 where Chicago won and covered as 1-point faves – by a score of 27-13. This played under the total of 41. Jay Cutler passed for 3 TDs in the decisive win. The Bears were able to pick Favre 3 times, limiting him to 170 yards.

Minnesota’s QB situation has taken a massive downgrade. With Brett Favre and Tavarius Jackson out for this Monday Night Football betting matchup, 3rd string converted WR Joe Webb will be under center for the Vikings tonight. Watch for Chicago’s aggressive defense to dial up numerous blitzes to constantly pressure the inexperienced QB.

Rookie QBs don’t generally have a great track record in their first NFL start and that’s why the hometeam is a 9-point underdog. The ball-hungry Bears should limit Webb’s activity and put a lot more pressure on Adrian Peterson – this could be good news if AP is on your fantasy team, but not in the betting window.

Playing in the brutal conditions of the outdoor late-December weather, I just can’t advise taking the home team in this matchup. Cutler has been playing well enough to win games – especially against weaker teams.

Chicago is 4-1 ATS on the road this season and has been limiting teams to 17.5 points/game. Conversely, they have been scoring 19.5. They have won 5 of their last 6 games – losing last week to the cruising New England Patriots in a 36-7 blowout.

To win this game, the Bears need to be efficient, not special. The Vikings may have won 2 of their last 5 (and yes, that was an improvement on the start of the season) but they just haven’t gotten it done against quality competition. The Bears are legitimate, and this game looks rough for Minnesota.

NFL Odds Free Pick: While the home team is 13-3 ATS in the last 16 between these teams, I just can’t take the rookie QB against one of the most aggressive defenses in the league. The Bears need this win for their playoff hopes and will come out fast against the over-matched Vikings.