5 Bold Predictions: Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears – Week 18
By Chris Schad
Nathan Peterman will throw for 300 yards
The existence of Nathan Peterman in the NFL is a punchline after he threw five interceptions during his first career start with the Buffalo Bills. Somehow, Peterman has found a way to stay in the league and will start for the Bears on Sunday, giving him the opportunity for a massive payday.
That’s because Peterman will face the Vikings’ defense. After a strong start, the Vikings rank 31st in yards allowed and points allowed and just gave up 41 points to a Packers team that looked like they would have rather been anywhere else just a few weeks ago. They’ve allowed 400 or more yards of total offense in six of their past eight games, and they’ll probably be playing their second string on Sunday.
The Vikings already allowed one of two games where Fields threw for more than 200 yards this season, and other quarterbacks such as Skylar Thompson, Taylor Heinicke, Mac Jones, Mike White, and Daniel Jones have ridden the wave to relevancy.
It’s unlikely Peterman will cash in as Matt Flynn did in a relief appearance years ago, but a big game isn’t out of the question against this defense.