Bears at Vikings: TV Schedule, Game Time, Odds, Injury Report, Preview
By Dan Zinski
Sep 15, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) is tackled by Chicago Bears middle linebacker D.J. Williams (58) during the second half at Soldier Field. Chicago won 31-30. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY SportsThe 2-8-1 Minnesota Vikings host the 6-5 Chicago Bears, Sunday, December 1. Kick-off is at Noon CT from Mall of America Field at The Metrodome in Minneapolis. The game will be televised on FOX (visit 506 Sports to see what games are scheduled in your area).
Point Spread: Minnesota -1
Over/Under: 50
Injury Report:
Minnesota
| Kyle Rudolph | TE | Foot | Did Not Participate In Practice | Out |
| Josh Robinson | CB | Chest | Did Not Participate In Practice | Out |
| Chad Greenway | LB | Wrist | Full Participation in Practice | Probable |
| Fred Evans | DT | Knee | Full Participation in Practice | Probable |
| Matt Asiata | RB | Shoulder | Full Participation in Practice | Probable |
| Xavier Rhodes | CB | Concussion | Full Participation in Practice | Probable |
| Kevin Williams | DT | Quadricep | Full Participation in Practice | Probable |
| Brian Robison | DE | Illness | Full Participation in Practice | Probable |
| Adrian Peterson | RB | Groin | Full Participation in Practice | Probable |
| Andrew Sendejo | S | Foot | Full Participation in Practice | Probable |
| Joe Webb | WR | Concussion | Full Participation in Practice | Probable |
Chicago
| Derrick Martin | CB | Hamstring | Limited Participation in Practice | Questionable |
| Stephen Paea | DT | Toe | Full Participation in Practice | Questionable |
| Lance Briggs | LB | Shoulder | Out (Definitely Will Not Play) | Out |
| Anthony Walters | S | Groin | Out (Definitely Will Not Play) | Out |
| Major Wright | S | Hamstring | Limited Participation in Practice | Questionable |
| Matt Forte | RB | Knee | Full Participation in Practice | Probable |
| Robbie Gould | K | Illness | Did Not Participate In Practice | Probable |
| Jay Cutler | QB | Ankle | Out (Definitely Will Not Play) | Out |
| Brandon Marshall | WR | Quadricep | Full Participation in Practice | Probable |
| Jay Ratliff | DT | Groin | Full Participation in Practice | Questionable |
Preview
For a second straight week the Vikings will put on their spoiler hats. The Bears are still in the thick of the division and wild card races despite the loss of Jay Cutler. Chicago will go with Josh McCown, who has filled in ably at quarterback with Cutler on the shelf.
The issue for Chicago isn’t quarterback, it’s defense, and specifically the run defense. Chicago is giving up an altogether unacceptable amount of yardage on the ground, a flaw the Vikings will try mightily to exploit. Adrian Peterson has a nagging groin injury but will be ready to go against a Bears unit that is surrendering a league-worst 145 yards per game on the ground.
The Vikings’ defense will face a tough test against the Bears’ array of weapons. Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery are a great receiving tandem, and Matt Forte is a strong runner. Mark Trestman has the Bears’ offense clicking in his first year as head coach.
Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder will face a Bears secondary depleted by injury. Ponder performed okay last week against Green Bay but overall has not exactly inspired confidence with his play. His best weapon recently has been TE John Carlson. Rookie WR Cordarrelle Patterson has been getting more snaps but has yet to produce on a consistent basis. Greg Jennings has been invisible in recent weeks.
Can the Vikings come out strong at home against a Bears team that still has playoff aspirations? Can Christian Ponder avoid the big mistake the way he did last week? Can Adrian Peterson tear up a woeful Bears defense?
Prediction: Chicago 24, Minnesota 21
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