The Viking Age
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5 keys to victory: Minnesota Vikings vs Chicago Bears in week 17

By Adam Carlson

Oct 31, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Cornelius Washington (90) pressures Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford (8) during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Cornelius Washington (90) pressures Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford (8) during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Matt Asiata (44) against the Indianapolis Colts at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Colts defeated the Vikings 34-6. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Matt Asiata (44) against the Indianapolis Colts at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Colts defeated the Vikings 34-6. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

#1. Run the football!

It’s a ‘keys to victory’ post, so everyone knew this was coming. Just like the numerous weeks before this, the Minnesota Vikings run game is getting a finger pointed in its direction as it is told to start doing better.

The Bears have a solid pass defense, giving up the 6th fewest yards per game through the air. On the flip side of that, they allow the 6th most rushing yards per game. Sadly, the Bears’ weakness is not a strength of Minnesota.

The Vikings are still dead last in the league with 72.1 rushing yards per game. It isn’t even a per game basis that is bad, since the team as a whole averages an NFL worst 3.1 yards per carry, a full 0.3 yards less than the next closest team.

And since it looks like Adrian Peterson is laying the foundation to not be suiting up for this game, the rushing attack should be a mix of Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata. C.J. Ham is on the main roster, so he may see some carries if the game ends up getting out of hand one way or another.

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