A curious thing has happened to the Minnesota Vikings late in the season. Not only is there a sudden power struggle between Brett Favre and Brad Childress, the Vikings are being pressed by Arizona for the first-round bye in the playoffs.

Oddly enough, the New Orleans Saints have given them a shot at the number-one seed in the NFC after losing to the Bucs in overtime. The most immediate obstacle standing in the way of Favre and the Vikes is the reeling Chicago Bears.

Winless against the spread in five games and just 1-6 SU in their past 7 overall, the Bears have been a veritable disaster this entire season. Jay Cutler leads the league in interceptions largely because nobody in his receiving corps has emerged as a viable top option. Matt Forte and the running game has absolutely vanished, ranking just 24 th in the league with 105.7 yards per game on the ground at home. Not boosting any confidence in Chicago this weekend is the recent memory of a 36-10 blowout at the hands of Minnesota just three weeks ago.

Chicago, however, is 7-1 SU in their last 8 games when hosting Minnesota and are 4-1 ATS at Soldier Field as well. Those NFL betting trends, however, do not take in to consideration Brett Favre who has not played at Soldier Field as a member of the Vikings yet.

Minnesota Vikings (11-3) vs. Chicago Bears (5-9)

Monday, December 28 th — Soldier Field, Chicago — 8:30pm EST

NFL Betting Line: Minnesota -8 (41)

Brett Favre hasn’t been a stud in December, as his betting backers over the last five years will tell you. The recent transgressions behind the scenes in Minnesota also have the Vikings betting investors plenty worried. Despite all the problems in the locker room, however, Minnesota is 4-1 SU when playing Chicago overall and 7-3 SU in their last 10 road games.

And petty skirmishes between a coach and a quarterback have to be put aside when a shot at the top spot in the NFC is ripe for the picking. New Orleans plays a surging Carolina team next weekend, and Minnesota must win against Chicago Bears to retain its legitimate shot at top billing in their conference. A loss would take away a season’s worth of momentum, and give the Arizona Cardinals an opening to grab the second seed in the NFC as well.

Chicago has only been able to beat St. Louis in the past five games, and have are facing the 9 th best scoring defense in the league. Minnesota gives up just 19.2 points per game and Jared Allen is going to remind everyone just why he became a mid-season candidate for the MVP award alongside teammate Brett Favre.

The problems in Minnesota are far outweighed by the unmitigated hazard warnings coming out of Chicago. New Orleans and Arizona will be glued to the TV to see just how Minnesota responds to the sudden opportunities in the competitive NFC. The Broncos, meanwhile, will be praying for another Chicago loss to bolster their shot at a top-10 pick in the NFL draft. Denver, at least, will have something to celebrate by the end of this game.

Bartamaha News Desk.

Source betus.com/sports

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