Minnesota Vikings (12-2) – Chicago Bears (4-10): 30-12
The Vikings did not panic the counters offensively. They didn't kill the game until late in the third quarter. But they didn't really shake either.
Sam Darnold (24/40, 231 yards, 1 TD, 1 int) and his teammates provided a minimum service sufficient to overcome the Bears who were still far too limited. Ineffective on third attempts, Caleb Williams (18/31, 191 yards, 1 TD) and his attack never managed to really get close.
Minnesota therefore joins the Lions at the top of the NFC North.
The conquering Vikings, then calm
The Vikings started the match ideally, taking advantage of Chicago's somewhat excessive audacity. From the first possession, the Bears attempt a 4th & 1 on their own 39 yards! It's a failure, and the purples – who are playing in white for the occasion – take the opportunity to recover a well-placed ball. They get a field goal (3-0).
But Chicago is definitely generous. Williams had the ball snatched away by Jonathan Greenard (7 pressures, 1 sack), untenable this Monday. New ball in opposing territory for Minnesota. And this time Darnold sends Justin Jefferson (7 rec, 73 yards, 1 TD) for a touchdown (10-0).
After another failure by the Bears on their 4th attempt, the Vikings added a field goal. They quietly lead 13-0 at the break.
The harmless Bears
Returning from the locker room, Minnesota punted twice. But the defense delivers, limiting the Bears to punts or field goals.
Finally, the Vikings attack finally builds two good long offensives, each time for 70 yards. The first is completed by Aaron Jones (18 races, 86 yards, 1 TD), the second by Cam Akers (10 races, 24 yards, 1 TD). That makes it 27-6, Game Over.
A punt blocked by the Bears allows them to finally have a ball far into the opponent's field and Keenan Allen saves the honor (27-12), but it is far too late.
The main thing is there for the Vikings: a victory that brings them back to the same number of victories as the Eagles and Lions at the top of the NFC conference. First place remains possible!
