PREMIUM
Rogers *10* Monday Night Coach's Clinic >> Going For 6th Straight NFL Primetime Winner!
(NFL) Minnesota vs. Chicago,
10/31/2016 4:30 PM, Score: 10 - 20
Total: 40.50 | -103.00 Over
Result: Win
Total: 40.50 | -103.00 Over
Result: Win
The set-up: The Minnesota Vikings opened 5-0 SU & ATS but after a bye week, played their worst game of the season, losing 23-10 at Philadelphia, with the team's only TD coming with just 37 seconds remaining in the contest. The Chicago Bears enter this game 1-6 SU and ATS, a record that is better than only the 0-8 Cleveland Browns (SF 49ers are also 1-6). Minnesota has won three consecutive games against Chicago and five of the past seven meetings.
Minnesota: The Vikings lost starting starting QB Teddy Bridgewater during the preseason to an injury that would keep him out all year. Minnesota made a big trade with Philadelphia before the start of the regular season, acquiring Sam Bradford for a 2017 No. 1 pick. Bradford did not start in Week 1 but then completed 70.4% of his passes with six TDs and no INTS as the Vikings won the next four games, extending their record to 5-0 SU and ATS. However, following a bye week, the Vikings lost 23-10 to the Eagles, as Bradford laid an egg in his Philly return. He threw his first interception of the season, fumbled four times (lost two) and was sacked six times. His lone TD pass came with just 37 seconds left in the game. The Vikings have been plagued all season by a running game averaging 71.6 YPG on a horrific 2.6 YPC average. However, the Minnesota defense leads the NFL in total defense (279.5 yards YPG) and it is tied for No. 1 in scoring defense (14.0 PPG). Mike Zimmer's unit is also No. 1 in the NFL with 16 takeaways (nine interceptions and seven fumble recoveries), to lead the NFL in turnover ratio (plus-11).
Chicago: The Bears have only had one winning season in their previous five and now at 1-6 to open the 2016 season, getting above .500 this year is a near-impossibility. Jay Cutler injured his thumb in a Week 2 game and Brian Hoyer came in to become the first Chicago QB in history to pass for more than 300 yards in four consecutive games. However, the Bears won just one of those contests and last week, Hoyer broke his left arm against Green Bay and has been placed on injured reserve. Cutler's sprained ligaments in his right thumb are healed enough for him to get back on the field but I'm not sure any Chicago fans or those in management are all that thrilled to have him back.T his week, reporters asked Cutler whether he felt as if he had the support of coach John Fox. "Um, he doesn't have a choice, I guess, at this point," Cutler told the Chicago Sun-Times. "Brian's out, so I've got to go." I'll leave it at that.
The pick: Like the Vikings, Chicago's running game is a liability, averaging only 87.9 YPG. Minnesota has held nine of its last 10 opponents to 17 points or less and here in 2016, has held opposing QBs to a rating of 55.7 (only Denver is better at 53.5). A rusty Cutler, backed by a non-existent running game, should not fare well. As for Minnesota, Bradford may be somewhat gun-shy after last week's poor effort, so expect the Minnesota offense to play things close to the vest. The Under is a 10* play.
Minnesota: The Vikings lost starting starting QB Teddy Bridgewater during the preseason to an injury that would keep him out all year. Minnesota made a big trade with Philadelphia before the start of the regular season, acquiring Sam Bradford for a 2017 No. 1 pick. Bradford did not start in Week 1 but then completed 70.4% of his passes with six TDs and no INTS as the Vikings won the next four games, extending their record to 5-0 SU and ATS. However, following a bye week, the Vikings lost 23-10 to the Eagles, as Bradford laid an egg in his Philly return. He threw his first interception of the season, fumbled four times (lost two) and was sacked six times. His lone TD pass came with just 37 seconds left in the game. The Vikings have been plagued all season by a running game averaging 71.6 YPG on a horrific 2.6 YPC average. However, the Minnesota defense leads the NFL in total defense (279.5 yards YPG) and it is tied for No. 1 in scoring defense (14.0 PPG). Mike Zimmer's unit is also No. 1 in the NFL with 16 takeaways (nine interceptions and seven fumble recoveries), to lead the NFL in turnover ratio (plus-11).
Chicago: The Bears have only had one winning season in their previous five and now at 1-6 to open the 2016 season, getting above .500 this year is a near-impossibility. Jay Cutler injured his thumb in a Week 2 game and Brian Hoyer came in to become the first Chicago QB in history to pass for more than 300 yards in four consecutive games. However, the Bears won just one of those contests and last week, Hoyer broke his left arm against Green Bay and has been placed on injured reserve. Cutler's sprained ligaments in his right thumb are healed enough for him to get back on the field but I'm not sure any Chicago fans or those in management are all that thrilled to have him back.T his week, reporters asked Cutler whether he felt as if he had the support of coach John Fox. "Um, he doesn't have a choice, I guess, at this point," Cutler told the Chicago Sun-Times. "Brian's out, so I've got to go." I'll leave it at that.
The pick: Like the Vikings, Chicago's running game is a liability, averaging only 87.9 YPG. Minnesota has held nine of its last 10 opponents to 17 points or less and here in 2016, has held opposing QBs to a rating of 55.7 (only Denver is better at 53.5). A rusty Cutler, backed by a non-existent running game, should not fare well. As for Minnesota, Bradford may be somewhat gun-shy after last week's poor effort, so expect the Minnesota offense to play things close to the vest. The Under is a 10* play.
