Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings Week 18 Betting Guide

The Chicago Bears (6-10) face the Minnesota Vikings (7-9) at U.S. Bank Stadium for Week 18 of the NFL. Let's take a look at the betting lines for Sunday's matchup. The Vikings started the week as 3.5-point favorites but the spread has since moved to 5.5, leaving the Vikings at -235 and Bears at +190. The total points line is set at 44.0, with OVER at -106 and UNDER at -115.

• The Bears have a 6-10-0 ATS record this season, while the Vikings hold a record of 8-8-0.
• The Bears have a 6-10-0 O/U record this season (meaning six games have gone over the total points line and 10 have gone under). The Vikings have a 10-6-0 O/U record.

Points on the board

• The Bears are averaging 18.4 points per game this season (26th in the league). Comparatively, the Vikings are performing better, averaging 24.6 (14th).
• Defensively, the Bears are giving up 23.5 points per game this season (T20th in the league), while the Vikings are giving up an average of 25.6 points (25th).

Moving the chains

• With an average of just 304.3, the Bears rank 28th in the league for total yards per game. Comparatively, the Vikings rank T12th with 364.8 yards per game.
• In terms of yards allowed, the Bears are giving up 315.8 per game this season (5th in the league), outperforming the Vikings, who are giving up an average of 385.4 (31st).

Ascendency in the air

• The Bears have recorded 183.8 passing yards per game this season (32nd in the league). Comparatively, the Vikings' defense has given up 252.1 passing yards per game (26th).
• Meanwhile, the Vikings have recorded 250.7 passing yards per game this season (11th in the league), while the Bears' defense has given up 189.4 passing yards per game (3rd).

Advantage on the ground

• Looking at the ground game, the Bears have recorded 120.5 rushing yards per game this season (11th in the league). Conversely, the Vikings are giving up 133.3 rushing yards per game (27th).
• On the other hand, the Vikings have recorded 114.1 rushing yards per game this season (15th in the league) and they may look to take the ascendancy in this part of the game given the Bears are conceding 126.4 rushing yards per game (24th).

Protecting the ball

• Looking at their ability to force turnovers, the Bears have recorded 16 total takeaways this season (T24th in the league), failing to perform to the same level as the Vikings, who have recorded 22 (T12th).
• On offense, the Bears have recorded 27 total giveaways this season (T28th in the league), while the Vikings have taken better care of the ball, recording 13 (3rd).

First to Score

The Bears are +135 to score first, while the Vikings are -165.

• The Bears have scored first in seven of their 16 games this season.
• The Vikings have scored first in 10 of their 16 games this season.

Which team will score the first touchdown?

• The Bears have recorded the first touchdown in eight of their 16 games this season.
• The Vikings have recorded the first touchdown in 11 of their 16 games this season.

Which team will get a quick start?

The Bears are +165 to be the first team to reach 10 points, while the Vikings are -205.

• The Bears have been the first to score 10 points in eight of their 16 games this season.
• The Vikings have been the first to score 10 points in 10 of their 16 games this season.

First Quarter Moneyline

The Vikings are favored in the 1st Quarter Moneyline market, currently at -190, while the Bears are +160.

• The Bears have a 6-8-2 first quarter W/L/T record this season, while the Vikings hold a record of 8-4-4.

Last Time They Met

The Vikings recorded a 17-9 victory over the Bears at Soldier Field when these teams last met in Week 15, 2021.