The Vikings chase for the playoffs is officially on, and it begins Monday night in Chicago.
Minnesota is 6-7 and in the hunt for an NFC Wild Card spot. Chicago is 4-9 this season, a loss away from elimination.
Let's see who the experts are picking to win the game on Monday Night Football:
Vikings 27, Bears 20 — Gregg Rosenthal, NFL.com
Give Justin Fields the 2018 Bears defense, and this Chicago team would be spicy. But Khalil Mack's season-ending injury last month has resulted in Chicago's defense, so thin in the secondary, being ranked 26th in defensive efficiency, according to DVOA and EPA/play. The Vikings are coming off extra rest with a lot more firepower and will save their fans' heartbreak for a later week when it hurts more.
Vikings 25, Bears 17 — Pete Prisco, CBS Sports
The Bears are pretty much done, while this is a big game for the Vikings. They have to get this to stay legitimately in the playoff race. They have looked good on offense lately, but the defense has issues. That won't matter here. They will contain Justin Fields as the Vikings win it.
Vikings 26, Bears 23 — Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News
The Vikings got a much-needed victory over the Steelers in Week [14] and are well rested coming off Thursday night. The Bears don't have many answers for Dalvin Cook and Justin Jefferson, but Kirk Cousins' prime-time woes will leave the door ajar for Justin Fields to keep things close working aggressively against a weak Vikings secondary and also using his legs well.
Vikings 28, Bears 14 — Michael David Smith, Pro Football Talk
Not the most attractive Monday night matchup, but the Vikings are still fighting for their playoff life while the Bears are finished.
Vikings 30, Bears 23 — Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk
Minnesota once again finds a way to build a lead and to hold it, somehow.
Vikings 23, Bears 20 — Staff, Bleacher Report
Mike Zimmer is coaching for his job, and Minnesota is fighting for the playoffs. It helps that their offense has put up over 425 yards in each of their last two games. It's also no coincidence Justin Jefferson has 29 targets in those two matchups, the key to their passing attack. A cold Monday night in Chicago is no easy trip, but the Vikings will be able to capitalize off a Justin Fields turnover or two.
Pre-game win probabilities: Vikings 59% — FiveThirtyEight.com
7 of 7 experts pick the Vikings, CBS Sports
5 of 5 experts pick the Vikings, The MMQB
9 of 11 experts pick the Vikings, ESPN
5 of 8 experts pick the Vikings, The Athletic
