
Bears vs. Vikings: 10 Bold Predictions for Monday Night Football
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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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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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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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.
7. Brian Urlacher Will Terrorize Joe Webb
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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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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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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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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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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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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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Let's take Chicago 14-3.
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