This week marked a defining moment for the Minnesota Vikings. Once doubted for their odds to achieve a winning season due to uncertainty at quarterback, the Vikings have officially entered the conversation as one of the NFC’s top contenders. After securing a playoff berth earlier in the weekend, Minnesota solidified their position with a decisive 30-12 victory over the Chicago Bears on Monday night at U.S. Bank Stadium, extending Chicago’s losing streak to eight games.
The Vikings’ win elevated their record to 12-2, placing them in a statistical deadlock with the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles atop the NFC standings. If Minnesota wins their remaining three games, they could clinch the NFC North division title and potentially secure the No. 1 seed in the conference—a possibility that hinges on the Eagles’ performance and tie-breaking scenarios in the final stretch.
Minnesota’s defense dominated, holding Chicago out of the end zone until late in the fourth quarter, long after the Vikings had substituted many of their starters. Their offense shined as well, showcasing its depth with rushing touchdowns from both Aaron Jones and Cam Akers – the first time this season Minnesota managed multiple touchdowns on the ground.
Star receiver Justin Jefferson contributed significantly, hauling in seven catches for 73 yards and a touchdown.
Vikings’ Key Performances and Concerns
Sam Darnold’s Mixed Night Under Center
Following intense scrutiny surrounding his future with the team, quarterback Sam Darnold delivered one of his least accurate outings of the season. Darnold completed just 16 passes while accumulating his second-highest incompletions (16) in a single game this year. His struggles weren’t entirely self-inflicted, as Justin Jefferson dropped a clear touchdown in the second quarter. Still, according to ESPN Research, Darnold recorded six off-target throws, tying for his second most in 2024.
Jefferson’s Unstoppable Touchdown
NFL Next Gen Stats revealed an impressive statistic: Jefferson’s first-quarter touchdown catch was his most open scoring play in years. The Bears’ defenders gave Jefferson a 4-yard cushion on his 7-yard touchdown reception—a surprising lapse for Chicago’s struggling secondary.
Injury Woes at Tackle
Right tackle Brian O’Neill suffered a right knee injury during the first half, forcing him in and out of the lineup. O’Neill’s absence disrupted Minnesota’s pass protection, exacerbating the issue as left tackle Christian Darrisaw remains sidelined for the season. With critical games ahead, O’Neill’s health could be pivotal to Minnesota’s offensive consistency.
Next Game: At Seahawks (4:05 p.m. ET, Sunday)
Bears Stumble Through Another Defeat
Despite pregame pledges of improved execution and faster starts, the Chicago Bears fell into familiar patterns, unraveling once again. Their offense appeared overmatched, while the defense continued to allow explosive plays at crucial moments.
Chicago’s most promising sequence of the game—a 62-yard drive—ended without points due to an illegal substitution penalty that nullified a rushing touchdown. This self-inflicted misstep highlighted the ongoing struggles of a team now 4-10 and preparing for a brutal season-ending stretch against playoff-bound opponents: Detroit, Seattle, and Green Bay.
Caleb Williams’ Frustrating Night
Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams cut a dejected figure after taking a punishing hit in the second half, summarizing Chicago’s rough outing. Williams struggled early, averaging an abysmal 0.6 air yards per pass attempt in the first half. His accuracy also faltered, with 17% of his throws missing their mark—only slightly below his season average of 22%.
First-Half Scoring Drought Continues
For the third consecutive week, the Bears entered halftime scoreless, a disastrous trend that underscores their inability to start games with intensity. Chicago turned the ball over twice on downs in the first half, along with a fumble from Williams and a poorly executed punt. Over their past three first halves, the Bears have been outscored 53-0, the worst three-game scoring deficit of any team this season.
Third and Fourth Down Failures
Chicago’s inability to convert critical downs crippled their offense. The Bears went 1-for-12 on third-down conversions, failing to move the chains until the fourth quarter. Their struggles extended to fourth downs as well, where two failed short-yardage runs by D’Andre Swift further highlighted their inefficiency.
Bright Spot: DeMarcus Walker’s Defensive Effort
Defensive end DeMarcus Walker delivered one of his best performances of the season, notching four pressures to bring his total to a career-high 25. Walker’s strong effort was a rare highlight for a Bears pass rush that has underperformed despite acquiring Montez Sweat for a second-round draft pick in 2023. Ironically, one edge rusher they bypassed in free agency, Minnesota’s Jonathan Greenard, recorded his 11th sack of the season during Monday’s game.
Next Game: Versus Lions (1 p.m. ET, Sunday)
What’s Next for the Vikings and Bears?
With three games remaining, the Vikings sit firmly in contention for the NFC North title and a potential top seed. Their ability to overcome injuries and maintain consistency will define their postseason chances.
For the Bears, the focus shifts toward salvaging dignity and evaluating their roster for the future. Their struggles with execution and slow starts must be addressed as they face three of the league’s toughest opponents in their final stretch.
Wrapping It Up
The Minnesota Vikings have positioned themselves as legitimate NFC contenders after a dominant 30-12 victory against the Chicago Bears. Their balanced offense, formidable defense, and potential to secure the NFC North title are driving their momentum. Meanwhile, Chicago’s eighth straight loss revealed persistent flaws in execution, offensive planning, and critical downs. As the regular season nears its end, Minnesota aims for playoff supremacy, while Chicago looks toward regrouping for the future. The contrasting paths of these two teams highlight one’s rise to contention and the other’s struggles to find a winning formula.
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