NFL picks and predictions, Vikings vs. Bears 2015: Minnesota expected to keep on winning

If Teddy Bridgewater's performance over the last several weeks is a harbinger of things to come, then the Minnesota Vikings' playoff hopes may turn into a reality. Bridgewater only threw for 505 yards and one touchdown in Minnesota's first three contests, but he's passed for 834 yards and tossed four touchdowns since. As the Vikings learned during the 2012 campaign, Adrian Peterson can only take you so far. In today's NFL, you need a quarterback to win.

The Bears' defense has allowed the most points per game in the league, and it recently suffered another blow when the team cut defensive lineman Jeremiah Ratliff last week. According to Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times, law enforcement escorted Ratliff from the Bears' facilities last week after he engaged in a heated argument with first-year general manager Ryan Pace. Temperament issues aside, Ratliff was one of the Bears' best defensive players. Though he only played in two games for the team this season, he recorded 6.5 sacks in just 11 games in 2014.

With a weakened defense, the Bears' offense may have to pick up even more slack than usual Sunday. Having No. 1 wide receiver Alshon Jeffrey back has been a huge boost. After missing four games, he caught eight passes for 147 yards and a touchdown in Chicago's 37-34 loss to the Detroit Lions two weeks ago. Jay Cutler has played better recently, too, averaging an 88.8 QB rating over the last three games.

But putting up big numbers will likely be a challenge against this stingy Vikings defense, which has allowed 20 or fewer points on five occasions this season. The Vikings have also successfully contained Matt Forte in the past, keeping him out of the end zone over their last 11 meetings.