The Minnesota Vikings are supposed to close Week 15 of the regular season at the Chicago Bears on Monday night, but with the way COVID is going around the NFL right now, it’s not a sure thing it will be played. Here’s hoping so.

Somehow, this is the first meeting of the season between the teams. Last year, they split with the Vikings winning 19-13 in Chicago also on a Monday night. Kirk Cousins threw for 292 yards and two scores and Dalvin Cook rushed for 96 yards. Nick Foles was the Chicago QB then but won’t see the field Monday. This is the fourth time since 2016 that Minnesota has traveled to Chicago for a Monday game since 2016. The Vikings lost that contest but won games at the venue in 2017 and then last year.

Nitrobetting brings you an in-depth look at the Vikings vs. Bears clash. We share timely betting and game information that point your picks in the right direction. Be sure to check out for the latest NFL odds at our online BTC sportsbook.

Vikings vs. Bears Game Information

We've got another primetime matchup Monday night in Chicago.

Catch a preview of #MINvsCHI plus an interview with @P2 during the final 2021 episode of Vikings Live. https://t.co/21hZ4tWsCK

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 17, 2021

• When: Monday, December 20, 2021, 8:15 PM ET
• Where: Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois
• TV: ESPN
• Radio: KFAN 100.3 FM Sports Radio (Vikings) / WBBM NewsRadio 780 (Bears)
• Live Stream:NFL Game Pass
• NFL Odds: Vikings (-6) / Bears (+6)

: Seahawks vs. Rams 2021 NFL Week 15 Odds, Preview and Pick

Why Bet on the Minnesota Vikings?

Minnesota (6-7) kept its playoff hopes alive last Thursday with a 36-28 home win over Pittsburgh. Kirk Cousins completed 14-of-31 passes for 216 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Cousins completed just five passes after halftime, three of them on the game’s penultimate drive, as the Vikings watched the Steelers turn a 29-0 lead into a one-score game. He did scramble for a key first down in the fourth quarter.

After missing one game due to injury, Cook returned with a bang, rushing 27 times for 205 yards and two touchdowns – the 205 yards were the most in the NFL this season. Cook he had five separate runs of 15 or more yards in the first 18 minutes of game time.

The Vikings played without Pro Bowl receiver Adam Thielen and he’s not likely for Monday, either. Fellow WR Dede Westbrook is on the COVID list, meaning the only players available for sure at receiver for Monday are Justin Jefferson, K.J. Osborn, and rookie Ihmir Smith-Marsette. Left tackle Christian Darrisaw has been practicing after missing the last two games with an ankle injury.

Why Bet on the Chicago Bears?

The Bears likely will want to run the ball plenty with rookie Justin Fields at quarterback. Chicago ranks seventh in the NFL with 1,638 rushing yards and 21st with 10 scores on the ground. Minnesota has allowed 1,684 rushing yards (129.5 per game) and 12 scores on the ground this season. Those totals rank 27th and 16th, respectively, in the NFL. But since allowing 208 yards on the ground at San Francisco (while shorthanded on the defensive line), Minnesota has allowed a combined 206 rushing yards in its past two games.

It’s not clear who Chicago will or won’t have for this game as they have been hit hard by COVID. As of this writing, the team has 12 on the COVID list. On Thursday, added were receiver Allen Robinson II, safety Eddie Jackson, tight end Jesse James, linebacker Joel Iyiegbuniwe, running back Ryan Nall, right tackle Larry Borom and practice squad receiver Isaiah Coulter. On Tuesday, it was nose tackle Eddie Goldman, cornerback Artie Burns and practice squad outside linebacker Sam Kamara. On Monday, it was defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. Tackle Elijah Wilkinson has been on the COVID list since Nov. 26.

Eight other players did not practice Thursday due to non-COVID illnesses: Running backs David Montgomery and Khalil Herbert, tight ends Cole Kmet and Jesper Horsted, receiver Jakeem Grant Sr., guard James Daniels, tackle Teven Jenkins and nose tackle Khyiris Tonga, who also has a shoulder injury.

There’s more: All three coordinators are on the list. Offensive coordinator Bill Lazor, defensive coordinator Sean Desai and special teams coordinator Chris Tabor are all working remotely this week.

“I don’t know either way,” Nagy said of the coaches’ potential availability for Monday’s game. “We’re prepared if they are, and we’re prepared if they’re not.” Nagy missed the Bears’ Week 8 loss to the San Francisco 49ers while in the COVID-19 protocols.

The NFL on Thursday relaxed the testing requirements to clear vaccinated people, potentially clearing the coordinators and players for a faster return.

Vikings vs. Bears Betting Trends

• Vikings are 1-4 ATS in the last 5 vs. NFC North.
• Vikings are 2-9 ATS in the last 11 games as a favorite.
• The total went over in 5 of Minnesota’s last 6 games.
• Bears are 1-5 ATS in the last 6 games following a straight up loss.
• Bears are 1-6 ATS in the last 7 games as an underdog.
• The total went under in 8 of Chicago’s last 12 games.

Vikings vs. Bears Expert Betting Predictions

Vikings 26, Bears 20

Check out our latest sports betting guides for the 2021 NFL Regular Season. Stay tuned for more Football previews and articles and don’t forget to check out the latest Football betting odds at our online Bitcoin sportsbook.

*All odds stated are subject to change without prior notice.