In a Monday night battle that took place last season, the Minnesota Vikings were able to escape Soldier Field with a victory over the Chicago Bears.
On Monday night, the 6-7 Minnesota Vikings and 4-9 Chicago Bears are set to meet at Soldier Field. Minnesota leads the all-time series 61-57-2, and they won at Chicago last season, but playing in the Windy City has always been very difficult for them.
The Vikings’ last five road wins over the Bears came last season, 2017, 2015, 2007, and 2000. Even Minnesota’s dominant 1998 squad had to come back from 11 points down to win in Chicago.
Divisional games are also usually not very easy. The Vikings recently lost an NFC North game to the Detroit Lions and Minnesota could have easily lost in the first meeting between the two teams earlier this season too.
It has been a very disappointing and nerve-wracking season for the Vikings. You can definitely say that they should be better than 6-7, but you can also say too that they should be worse. All of Minnesota’s games, with the exception of the 30-17 win over the Seattle Seahawks in Week 3, have been decided by eight points or less.
The Vikings are currently still in the playoff race, but a loss on Monday would really hurt their chances, especially since they play the Los Angeles Rams at home and the Green Bay Packers on the road in the two weeks that follow this trip to Chicago.
Minnesota Vikings defeated the Chicago Bears last season in the Windy City
The last time Minnesota traveled to Chicago was in Week 10 of last season. The Vikings won by a final score of 19-13. That game was also played on a Monday night.
For Minnesota, Kirk Cousins completed 25 of his 36 passes for 292 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. Dalvin Cook rushed for 96 yards on 30 carries. Justin Jefferson caught eight passes for 135 yards. Adam Thielen caught four passes for 63 yards and two touchdowns.
On defense, Vikings linebacker Eric Wilson recorded a team-high seven tackles, and Harrison Smith recorded an interception.
For Chicago, Nick Foles completed 15 of his 26 passes for 106 yards and an interception. Allen Robinson caught six passes for 43 yards. Former Minnesota first-round pick Cordarrelle Patterson returned a kickoff 104 yards for a touchdown. And on defense, Bears linebacker Roquan Smith recorded a game-high 14 tackles and a sack.
The Vikings finished last season with a 7-9 record, while Chicago finished their year with an 8-8 record.