NFL Picks Week 6: Chicago Bears Ripe for an Upset vs. Minnesota Vikings

Thanks to a little help from the dismal Arizona Cardinals, the Minnesota Vikings are off the schneid.

Now that the Vikings have a win, the next logical step is to get a win over a division rival, preferably on the road.

Winning this weekend at the Chicago Bears would certainly suffice. It's too bad the oddsmakers don't like their chances. We know this because the spread, according to Bodog, has da Bears favored by three points.

Had this game been played last week, I wouldn't have argued. I also would not have been surprised if the Bears were favored by much more.

This week, I'm perfectly willing to stick up for the Vikings. They're a lousy team, but I think the Bears are a mediocre team that is only getting worse with each passing weak.

We all know about the problems the Bears have protecting Jay Cutler. He takes his life in his hands every time he drops back to pass, and he's already been sacked 18 times this season. It won't be long now before he disintegrates—which could very well happen against the Vikings, who are tied for second in the NFL with 16 sacks.

They're going to give Cutler a hard time, to put it lightly.

The bright side is that the Bears do have themselves a weapon in Matt Forte. The not-so-bright side is that he will be up against a Vikings defense that is allowing a mere 76.4 yards rushing this season. Forte will get some work in the passing game, but he could be in for a long day otherwise.

While we're on the subject of rushing attacks, this is where I'm truly worried about the Bears. They rank 28th in the NFL against the rush, and were last seen getting obliterated by Jahvid Best.

And now they get to face Adrian Peterson. He was last seen lighting up the Cardinals for 122 yards and three touchdowns, all three of which came in the first quarter.

If you're a Bears fan, you shouldn't like this matchup. Not one bit.

I know I don't. And unless the Bears can get Forte to offset some of A.D.'s production, I don't see them winning this game.

Vikings 27, Bears 21