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Chicago is 1-3 on the season and coming off a horrific offensive performance in Green Bay where Mike Glennon turned the ball over four times. The Vikings are hoping to stay in the NFC North race and are hopeful that they will have their starting quarterback for this contest. Either way Minnesota could be favored, but especially so if Sam Bradford is under center.
This contest in Week 5 of the regular season will go down Monday, October 9, 2017, at 8:30 p.m. ET at Soldier Field.
Odds Analysis
The oddsmakers are waiting to see Bradford’s status before putting a line out on this game, He is trending toward playing, but it’s too early to know for sure. The Vikings have an elite defense going against a rookie quarterback, so Minnesota is expected to win no matter what, but the line will shift significantly based on Bradford’s availability.
The scoring total will likely be low whenever it is announced, as the Bears are going to play conservatively to keep Trubisky from having to throw a lot.
Injury Report
Bradford -- The Vikings quarterback has missed the past three games with a knee injury. He is getting better and hopes to play in this game, but it is still too early to know for sure. Keep an eye on this injury closely as it will have a big impact on the wagering. Case Keenum will start again if Bradford cannot go.
Dalvin Cook — The Vikings’ impressive-looking running back is now done for the season with a torn ACL. It’s a big blow for a Minnesota team that always seems to get hit with critical injuries. Latavius Murray will be counted on to take over, but he doesn’t have the same type of ability as Cook. The Minnesota offense could be in big trouble if its top running back and quarterback is out.
Matchup To Watch
Bears running game vs. Vikings defense -- Everyone wants to see how Trubisky fares in his debut, but Chicago’s best path to winning this game will come from a dominant run game. Jordan Howard is the workhorse, and he is a good player.
Tarik Cohen is a dynamic rookie who can get a few carries a game but is most valuable in the passing game. If Cohen can break off a big run or catch, it could help Chicago stay close. This is a tough task against a talented Vikings front.
Minnesota would love for Trubisky to throw the ball against their defensive backs and seem likely to stack the box to try to force that action. Chicago will still stick to the run and needs to win this matchup to have a chance at the upset.
Free ATS Pick
The Bears are better than they showed last time out, and it won’t be an easy game for the Vikings either way, but especially if Bradford cannot play. Even so, Minnesota is the better team and the road game won’t be a huge deal since it is a short trip to get to Chicago.
The fans are going to be excited to see Trubisky so the buzz for this one will be good. He hopes to put on a good display, but expectations should be tempered. Trubisky should play OK and the Bears should stay close but the Vikings have the superior personnel. Take Minnesota to win this game in what will likely be a showing with more points than expected.
NFL Odds: Vikings 27, Bears 22
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