Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings Betting Odds, Analysis, NFL Pick

The Chicago Bears (5-8) will look to snap an eight-game losing streak during the month of December when they visit the Minnesota Vikings (8-5) in an NFC North matchup Sunday. The Bears are 0-8 straight up and 2-6 against the spread in their last eight December games, while the Vikings have gone 10-2 ATS in their past 12 overall.

Point spread: Vikings opened as 4.5-point favorites; the total was 43 early in the week, according to sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark (line updates and matchup report).

NFL pick, via Odds Shark computer: 24.0-20.8 Bears

Why the Bears can cover the spread

Chicago’s skid in December came under former head coach Marc Trestman, who is now the offensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens. While current head coach John Fox has definitely not had everything go his way in his first year with the Bears, they have at least been a more competitive team than they were last season.

In Chicago’s last five losses, a field goal could have either tied or won the game, putting kicker Robbie Gould’s role into perspective. Gould missed a 50-yard field goal that would have tied last Sunday’s game against the Washington Redskins, and he failed to convert two from 40 yards or less the week before versus the San Francisco 49ers.

Still, keeping this matchup with Minnesota within a field goal would be good enough to cover.

Why the Vikings can cover the spread

The home team is 6-1 SU in the past seven meetings, with the Bears suffering the lone loss during that stretch earlier in the year. The Vikings are also 4-0 SU and ATS after winning the previous game in a matchup and will simply look to continue doing what has made them successful under head coach Mike Zimmer—running the ball and playing solid defense.

Both worked well in the first meeting with Chicago in Week 8.

Running back Adrian Peterson had 20 carries for 103 yards in that 23-20 victory, while kicker Blair Walsh made all three of his field-goal attempts, including the game-winner from 36 yards out as time expired.

Walsh’s counterpart, Gould, converted two of his three tries, missing his first field goal of the season following a 17-of-17 start. Gould has not been the same since then and could play a big role here if his struggles continue.

Smart pick

Chicago’s two biggest wins of the year have both come on the road in two tough environments against the Kansas City Chiefs and Green Bay Packers, and the team is 4-2 SU and 5-1 ATS away from home overall.

It’s hard to imagine Minnesota being a tougher place to play than Kansas City or Green Bay, so that should not be much of a concern. Gould’s leg could be the difference between a win or loss but not a cover. Take the Bears to keep this one close and at least beat the spread.

Betting trends

The Vikings are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games.

The total has gone under in the Vikings' last eight games as favorites.

The Bears are 0-8 SU and 2-6 ATS in their last eight games in December.

All point spread and lines data courtesy of Odds Shark, all quotes gathered firsthand unless otherwise noted. Check out Twitter for injury and line movement updates and get the free odds tracker app.