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MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 15: An overview of TCF Bank Stadium as workers prepare for a potential monday night football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears on December 15, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Preparations are due to the collap
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 15: An overview of TCF Bank Stadium as workers prepare for a potential monday night football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears on December 15, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Preparations are due to the collapHannah Foslien/Getty Images

Bears vs. Vikings: 10 Bold Predictions for Monday Night Football

Trae ThompsonDec 20, 2010

The Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings could be in for a long night.

Tonight's NFC North showdown has been moved outdoors to TCF Bank Stadium in Minnesota after the Metrodome's roof couldn't be repaired in time. Minnesota had to move last week's game with New York to Ford Field in Detroit on Monday.

Along with expected freezing temperatures, the Vikings will be relying on third-string quarterback Joe Webb, who was drafted in the sixth round earlier this year to be a wide receiver. Chicago (9-4) is coming off an embarrassing 36-7 loss to New England but will clinch the division with a win over Minnesota (5-8).

Time to have some fun and call our shots. Here are 10 predictions for tonight's game.

10. All About the Weather

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 15: Heavy machinery removes snow from the field as TCF Bank Stadium prepares for a potential monday night football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears on December 15, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Preparations
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 15: Heavy machinery removes snow from the field as TCF Bank Stadium prepares for a potential monday night football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears on December 15, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Preparations

The Monday Night Football crew will talk all night about the freezing temperatures and then make over five references to the Ice Bowl. Players from both teams have expressed concern about possible injuries and whether the field will be playable.

Get over it. Yes, it will be outdoors, and it will be cold. This is nothing new in the NFL.

9. There Won't Be a Serious Injury

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MINNEAPOLIS - JANUARY 17:  Kicker Ryan Longwell #8 of the Minnesota Vikings kicks a field goal against the Dallas Cowboys during the NFC Divisional Playoff Game at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on January 17, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.The Vikings defe
MINNEAPOLIS - JANUARY 17: Kicker Ryan Longwell #8 of the Minnesota Vikings kicks a field goal against the Dallas Cowboys during the NFC Divisional Playoff Game at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on January 17, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.The Vikings defe

Minnesota punter Chris Kluwe (pictured holding the football) has said the playing surface is unplayable and predicted the game would be a train wreck.

Joe Webb has a higher chance of getting injured by Brian Urlacher than someone being injured by the cold. 

8. Jared Allen Will Sack Jay Cutler Three Times

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CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 14: Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears is hit after throwing by Jared Allen #69 of the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field on November 14, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Vikings 27-13. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty I
CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 14: Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears is hit after throwing by Jared Allen #69 of the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field on November 14, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Vikings 27-13. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty I

The Vikings defensive lineman sacked Cutler twice at Soldier Field and is in a groove right now. In the last six games, he has 8.5 sacks.

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7. Brian Urlacher Will Terrorize Joe Webb

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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 12: Brian Urlacher #54 of the Chicago Bears looks to the sideline in between plays against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field on December 12, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois.  The Patriots beat the Bears 36-7.  (Photo by Dilip Vish
CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 12: Brian Urlacher #54 of the Chicago Bears looks to the sideline in between plays against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field on December 12, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Patriots beat the Bears 36-7. (Photo by Dilip Vish

Imagine making your first NFL start and having to deal with Urlacher. He was outstanding last week against New England, finishing with 11 tackles, a sack, three tackles for loss and three pass breakups. Look for that to carry over tonight.

6. Adrian Peterson Will Be Contained

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 05:  Adrian Peterson #28 of the Minnesota Vikings rushes against  the Buffalo Bills at the Mall of America Field at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on December 5, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Imag
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 05: Adrian Peterson #28 of the Minnesota Vikings rushes against the Buffalo Bills at the Mall of America Field at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on December 5, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Imag

Minnesota's biggest weapon will be Peterson, which means Chicago will stack the box and keep him from busting off big runs.

In their first meeting, Peterson had just 51 yards rushing. Render him ineffective, and that will put more pressure on Joe Webb, which will make things more miserable for Minnesota.

5. Johnny Knox Will Catch Four Passes

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CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 14: Johnny Knox #13 of the Chicago Bears celebrates a first down catch against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field on November 14, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Vikings 27-13. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Image
CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 14: Johnny Knox #13 of the Chicago Bears celebrates a first down catch against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field on November 14, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Vikings 27-13. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Image

The Bears' top receiver hasn't had more than three receptions in his last three games. Look for him to snap that skid and have a solid outing. In their first meeting with Minnesota, he had five catches for 90 yards.

4. Joe Webb Will Have One Big Play, But...

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MINNEAPOLIS - SEPTEMBER 02:  Joe Webb #14 of the Minnesota Vikings carries the ball during an NFL preseason game against the Denver Broncos at the Mall of America Field at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, on September 2, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  (Pho
MINNEAPOLIS - SEPTEMBER 02: Joe Webb #14 of the Minnesota Vikings carries the ball during an NFL preseason game against the Denver Broncos at the Mall of America Field at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, on September 2, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Pho

He will finish with under 150 yards passing. Webb supposedly has a great arm, so don't be surprised if he connects with Percy Harvin or Sidney Rice for a big play. Better bet is to see him running and working out of the shotgun most of the night.

3. Special Teams Will Shine

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CHICAGO - DECEMBER 12: Devin Hester #23 of the Chicago Bears runs against Brandon Meriweather #31 of the New England Patriots at Soldier Field on December 12, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Patriots defeated the Bears 36-7. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty
CHICAGO - DECEMBER 12: Devin Hester #23 of the Chicago Bears runs against Brandon Meriweather #31 of the New England Patriots at Soldier Field on December 12, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Patriots defeated the Bears 36-7. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty

The freezing temperatures could slow down both offenses, but look for special teams to be in the spotlight for both teams.

In their first meeting, Devin Hester returned a kickoff 68 yards and a punt for 42 yards. Minnesota's special teams excelled against the Giants on Monday, with Lorenzo Booker returning a kickoff 49 yards and Greg Camarillo taking a punt back 52 yards.

2. Jay Cutler Will Be Efficient

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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 12: Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears looks for a receiver against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field on December 12, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Patriots defeated the Bears 36-7. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 12: Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears looks for a receiver against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field on December 12, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Patriots defeated the Bears 36-7. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Look for the Chicago quarterback to bounce back from his dreadful performance against New England and be effective against Minnesota. Let's go with 195 yards passing, one touchdown and no interceptions.

1. Final Score

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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 12: Brian Urlacher #54 of the Chicago Bears calls a defensive play as teammate Lance Briggs #55 moves into position against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field on December 12, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Patriots defeated t
CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 12: Brian Urlacher #54 of the Chicago Bears calls a defensive play as teammate Lance Briggs #55 moves into position against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field on December 12, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Patriots defeated t

Let's take Chicago 14-3.

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