5 Bold Predictions: Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears – Week 18

Minnesota will win a largely regrettable game.

When the NFL decided to scrap a fourth preseason game in favor of a 17-game schedule, it was assumed that one more game of importance would be beneficial to viewers. Instead, the NFC has a slate of contests that could wind up looking like a preseason game.

The matchup between the Vikings and Bears could suffer that same fate. The Vikings might want to keep their starters on the sideline, while the Bears could have their eyes on the No. 1 overall pick. It’s possible that neither team wants to win this game, and it could lead to a dragger on Sunday afternoon.

Flashing back to last preseason, there’s reason to think the Vikings won’t win this game. Using largely backups, the Vikings went 0-3 in the preseason and averaged just 13 points per game. While that could be enough to defeat Peterman and the Bears, the defense remains a big problem heading into the season finale.

Still, those efforts were led by Sean Mannion and Kellen Mond, and even if Nick Mullens gets the start, it should be enough for the Vikings to win and notch their first 13-win season since 2017.

Prediction: Vikings win 16-13