5 Bold Predictions: Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears – Week 15
By Chris Schad
Fields will be held under 200 yards passing
After the Vikings attempted to trade up for Justin Fields back in the 2021 NFL Draft, the “revenge game” narrative is in play on Monday night. But with Mike Zimmer’s history against rookie quarterbacks, he’s more likely to hit another valley in an up-and-down rookie season.
Since Zimmer arrived in 2014, the Vikings own an 8-3 record when facing rookie quarterbacks. Even more impressive, only four rookie quarterbacks (Josh Rosen, Sam Darnold, Brandon Allen, and David Blough) have thrown for more than 200 yards against Zimmer’s defense.
Overall, rookie quarterbacks have thrown for 184.6 yards per game, eight touchdowns, 11 interceptions, and a 47.4 percent completion percentage against the Vikings. Put it all together and those quarterbacks have compiled a 57.6 passer rating.
This is bad news for Fields, who will likely go into Monday’s game without Allen Robinson. With the possibility that John DeFilippo will be calling plays, it sets up for another rough night for the Bears’ offense.