Vikings-Bears: Minnesota Gets a Bear of a Win, Takes First Place

In a Sunday night prime-time matchup, the Minnesota Vikings (7-5) made big plays on both sides of the ball to beat their NFC North rival Chicago Bears (6-6) 34-14 in a classic "black and blue" divisional showdown.

In beating the Bears, the Vikings not only took control of first-place in a must-win game, but also made franchise history.

Quarterback Gus Frerotte threw for the longest play in team history, 99 yards, to a wide open Bernard Berrian, after Chicago defender Charles Tillman cut into the middle. Just before the play, the Vikings defense had a fourth-down goal-line stand, denying rookie running back Matt Forte three times and fullback Jason McKie once.

The defense kept the pressure on Bears' quarterback Kyle Orton all night, with Jared Allen recording three sacks, forcing Orton into three interceptions.

After Chicago wide receiver Devin Hester scored on a 65-yard touchdown pass from Orton, the Vikings would score 17 unanswered points going into halftime.

Running back Adrian Peterson of the Vikings continued his dominance of the Bears, rushing for 131 yards and a touchdown. He regained the NFL rushing lead with 1,311 yards.

In the end, the big defensive plays and excellent offensive power took control in the biggest game of coach Brad Childess' three-year career.

What's Next for the Vikings?

The Vikings will take on the winless Detroit Lions next week in Detroit. The Vikings must stomp the Lions early and often as this should be one of the easiest wins on the schedule.

Expect revenge from the Vikings after almost losing at home earlier in the season, 12-10, in a game in which the Vikings looked flat.

The game will feature former Viking quarterback Daunte Culpepper going against his former team for only the second time since leaving two years ago.