The Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears will wrap up their 2014 seasons on Sunday, with each having been eliminated from playoff contention for weeks. However, both have plenty to play for. Minnesota is trying to build a program with quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and coach Mike Zimmer in their debut seasons, while Chicago is simply hoping to salvage pride.
NFL picks and predictions, Bears vs. Vikings 2014: Minnesota getting love
Neither club is making the playoffs, but Minnesota has the look of a team hanging tough.
At 6-9, the Vikings are better than many expected. When you factor in the season-long absence of Adrian Peterson, it is somewhat surprising Minnesota was able to stay so competitive. Bridgewater has been a major reason for the solid play, posting a 5-6 record in his starts. The rookie out of Louisville has come on strong lately, throwing for over 300 yards in two of his last three games and tossing a pair of TDs in four of his last five.
Chicago has been terrible down the stretch. The Bears have dropped four consecutive games and have not looked particularly interested in showing up for any of those contests. Head coach Marc Trestman is on the hottest of seats, and last week made the decision to bench Jay Cutler for Jimmy Clausen. Clausen played decently but suffered a concussion, meaning Cutler's back in the starting role.
Everybody at ESPN thinks Bridgewater and the Vikings will finish strong, with all 13 predictions favoring the home team. Over at CBS Sports the opinion is much more split, with five men taking Minnesota and three siding with Chicago.
The SB Nation experts are also not in total agreement. David Fucillo and Joel Thorman are playing the role of renegades, picking the Bears.
Week 17 | Ryan Van Bibber | Stephen White | Joel Thorman | David Fucillo | Danny Kelly | PFT Commenter | Matt Ufford | OddsShark Computer |
CHI @ MIN | MIN | MIN | CHI | CHI | MIN | MIN | MIN | MIN |
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