Chicago Bears (4-7) – Minnesota Vikings (9-2): 27-30
Divisional duel between the Vikings who are on the rise and the Bears who haven't won for a month and a half. Minnesota arrives full of confidence in Chicago especially since the purple are on a streak of 4 consecutive victories at Soldier Field.
The Jefferson Bait
If we focus only on the statistics, we can say that Justin Jefferson (2 receptions, 27 yards) missed his game. Still, the Vikings receiver was extremely helpful. The 2022 offensive player of the year is to be taken seriously and the Chicago defense did not let him go in the match.
He therefore freed up a lot of space and Jordan Addison (8 receptions, 162 yards, 1TD) took advantage of it. The second-year receiver experienced the best day of his young NFL career. His touchdown, at the start of the second quarter, allowed Minnesota to open their account.
Rather discreet since his return from injury, TJ Hockenson took time to be found, but his two receptions in overtime were decisive.
After a start to the game marked by a fumble two yards from the endzone, Aaron Jones (22 races, 106 yards, 1TD) ended up returning to the promised land, which had not happened to him since October 20, 2024.
The Bears condemned then resuscitated by its special teams
All of Chicago remembers the last action against the Packers last week. A blocked field goal which deprived them of a victory against their long-time rival. Obviously, the problems on special teams have not been resolved.
In an almost identical situation, Cairo Santos saw one of his attempts blocked again. At the end of the third quarter, it was a fumble on a punt return which penalized the locals. On its two plays, Minnesota scored two touchdowns and took off.
That was without counting on Caleb Williams (32/47, 340 yards, 2TDs) in great shape. The rookie showed why he was chosen first in the last draft. Facing blitzes from Brian Flores, Williams used his legs and often found his targets by extending plays.
Trailing by 11 points with 1 minute and 34 seconds left in the match, the young quarterback caught fire and brought his team back to three points. Then the miracle happens. Minnesota misses the onside kick and gives Williams a chance to equalize. The latter did not need to be asked and offered Santos a 48-yard field goal. This time no joke, the Bears kicker sends everyone into overtime.
Minnesota is doing well
The coin is tossed and gives Chicago the ball. We then imagine Williams, on his momentum, riding on a tired Vikings defense. But the Bears completely missed out on their extension. Caleb Williams makes a series of bad decisions and the Bears have to punt immediately.
More relaxed than his evening opponent, Sam Darnold connects successively with Addison, Jefferson, then Hockenson, in order to give John Parker Romo an opportunity to put an end to this long encounter. Whoever replaces Will Reichard, injured for three weeks, don't miss the opportunity. It gives Minnesota its ninth success of the season.
