5 wild predictions: Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears

Dec 20, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Eddie Royal (19) runs after the catch in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Kendricks (54) at TCF Bank Stadium. The Minnesota Vikings beat the Chicago Bears 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Eddie Royal (19) runs after the catch in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Kendricks (54) at TCF Bank Stadium. The Minnesota Vikings beat the Chicago Bears 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 20, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon (31) dives for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Chicago Bears defensive lineman Pernell McPhee (92) at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon (31) dives for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Chicago Bears defensive lineman Pernell McPhee (92) at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

Vikings win, 21-17

The Vikings will walk out of Soldier Field victorious, but it will be much closer than anyone expects. Divisional games are always up in the air, with even the worst teams seeming to rise to the occasion. Aided by their home crowd, the Bears will put forth a strong effort against the division-leading Vikings.

Stefon Diggs will re-emerge as an explosive weapon in the passing game, but the faltering running  game and patch-work offensive line will prevent the Vikings from blowing this game wide open. Add in a few major turnovers from the Vikings, and the Bears will be able to hang tight for much of the game.

In his return to action, Jay Cutler will play decently as he tries to make up for a nonexistent rushing attack, but ultimately his mistakes will mount and the Vikings’ defense will take advantage.

Next: Vikings vs. Bears: 5 questions behind enemy lines

The Minnesota Vikings will leave Chicago with a win on Monday Night, but the victory will leave them with plenty of questions to answer in the coming weeks. Thankfully, a 6-1 record will help to make those questions a lot less imminent to answer.