Predictions On Tap: Bears at Vikings

If the Chicago Bears are good at anything as of late, it's creating headlines. Following a Week 14 beatdown at the hands of the San Francisco 49ers, Ryan Poles' critical mistakes were fleshed out by Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune. It'll be interesting to see how Poles and interim head coach Thomas Brown handle the mounting pressure surrounding the franchise. On the field, the Bears enter Week 15 looking to end their seven-game losing streak against the 11-2 Minnesota Vikings.

The Vikings are coming off a blowout win over the Atlanta Falcons and are riding a six-game win streak. The Bears' defense will be without another key starter, Gervon Dexter Sr. this week. Will the Bears be able to overcome all the noise or will the losing streak continue? Let's get to some predictions.

Conor Cunningham (1-0): Bears 21, Vikings 17

The Vikings are a team that likes to keep games close. While they blew out the Falcons 42-21 last week, they've also posted one-score wins against the New York Jets, Jacksonville Jaguars, Indianapolis Colts, and Bears in addition to a 10-point victory over the Tennessee Titans. I don't think last week will define the rest of the season for the Bears. This is still a divisional game we're talking about. I believe the Bears' defense will play respectably and pull out a close win. This will be a rock fight.

Samir Patel (0-1): Vikings 27, Bears 17

It's hard to justify anything other than a Bears loss given what we've seen from this team recently. The Vikings are very much alive for a top-two seed in the NFC and have a lot to play for. The Bears, meanwhile, are running out the string as the offseason seemingly can't get here soon enough. Caleb Williams has had success against the blitz and Thomas Brown has actually coached against the Vikings as an offensive coordinator, so I expect a little better offensive output. However, this game won't be as close as the score indicates. The Vikings' offense will score early and often.

Seth Conklin (0-1): Vikings 34, Bears 21

I have zero faith in the Bears' defense right now. Eric Washington needs to pull a rabbit out of his hat to slow down Justin Jefferson and Co. If the Bears reprise last week's performance, they'll get demolished. Will Thomas Brown be able to get things going in the first half? It seems unlikely. The Vikings are healthier and have a better overall defense than last week's opponent, the banged-up 49ers. If the Bears somehow manage a win, it'll likely come from the arm of Caleb Williams.

Quinten Krzysko (0-1): Vikings 26, Bears 17

The meatball model has sucked lately. I've lost seven straight predictions, just like the Bears. The time has finally come for me to rely on a model that relies on math and science. That model says the Bears lose and fail to cover. Let's see if the Bears can prove science wrong!

Sunny Verma (0-1): Vikings 31, Bears 13

Over the last six weeks, there's been a cycle that starts with my heart getting broken on Sunday. By Tuesday, I convince myself that the Bears are going to snap their losing streak the next time out. Then, they lose on Sunday and the cycle starts again. Could things be different since this is a Monday night game? I have to break the cycle JUST to see what happens if I make a change.

Ron Luce (0-1): Vikings 35, Bears 31

There is little hope that the Bears will win anything for the rest of the season. That said, I’d expect a much better level of fight from a team that was embarrassed in the late window in Week 14. An extra day of preparation should help Thomas Brown, and Caleb Williams had a productive day against the Vikings at Soldier Field four weeks ago. Let’s get weird. Lots of points, no elements to worry about.