Betting Matchup Preview
Game Details
- Who: Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears
- When: Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023 (Week 18)
- Time: 12:00 p.m. CT
- Where: Soldier Field (Chicago, Illinois)
Betting Odds Summary
- Moneyline: Vikings (-350), Bears (+270)
- Spread: Vikings -7.5 (-105), Bears +7.5 (-115)
- Total: Over/Under 43.5 (-110/-115)
Note: Odds are current from DraftKings Sportsbook at the time of writing and are subject to change.
As NFC North matchups go, this one’s not much to call home about. There’s still plenty to bet on, but these teams have known their fate for a few weeks, and this Week 18 game won’t change anything. Consider it an exhibition for the Bears, who won’t play Justin Fields, as he is out with a sore hip.
With Nathan Peterman behind center for the Bears, expect a Chicago loss. The Bears are in the early stages of a potential years-long rebuild, and most fans (including this writer) have set their sights on the future rather than dwelling on the present.
In the Minnesota camp, the Vikings locked in a playoff spot and clinched the division. Could they have some fun at Soldier Field while the stakes are low?
Spread, Moneyline, Total: Vikings Vs. Bears
This one’s hard to call, and viable bets will hinge on whether Minnesota plays Kirk Cousins. As mentioned, the Vikings have a playoff spot. At this point, Minnesota only has seeding on the line. The 12-4 49ers and 13-3 Eagles both have favorable matchups (they’re playing the Cardinals and Giants, respectively). Should the Vikings win, they still might not eke out a number one spot going into the postseason. Benching Cousins could be the smart play.
We don’t know for sure what the Vikings will decide, however. The moneyline is enticing but offers very little value overall. If you’re looking at a Vikings bet, we like the spread at -7.5.
Without Justin Fields chasing the single-season QB rushing record, the Bears have little hope of winning this matchup or covering the spread. Minnesota should take this by at least a touchdown.
The total is an interesting thought exercise. Should Cousins take the field, we like the over. The Vikings have proven they have a high ceiling and a low floor. They’ve scored 20 points or more in every game this season except for one—last week’s game against the Packers. Against a Peterman-led Bears, the Vikings could rack up points. Chicago can make up the spare change with a few stray field goals.
If Cousins sits, however, the under might be a better play. Two teams, low stakes, in the final game of the season. It’s a formula for low scoring all around.
Our advice: keep an eye on the Vikings roster and make your betting choice once we know whether Cousins will start.
Game Prop Bets: Vikings Vs. Bears
Uncertainty on the QB front leaves us with fewer player props. Let’s instead look at some game props you can place for this Vikings-Bears game.
- 1st Minnesota Vikings First Drive Result (Grouped): Offensive Score (+120)
We’re looking to the Vikings for an early scoring drive in this game. We don’t expect much fire from the Bears’ defense without a reason to win, and the Vikings haven’t had much trouble bringing home points. This bet is especially playable if Cousins plays. If he doesn’t, you might consider passing.
- 1st Chicago Bears Drive Result: Punt (-140)
Different side of the same coin here. The Bears don’t have much to fight for. Fields won’t play and, therefore, can’t chase the elusive rushing record. A three-and-out punt feels like precisely what the Bears will do to start this game.
Our Same-Game Parlay
Here’s our same-game parlay for the Vikings-Bears game.
- Chicago Bears Under 14.5 points (+145)
- Minnesota Vikings Over 24.5 points (-125)
Slim pickings on the same-game parlay front this week. It’s a two-legger that relies on a solid performance from the Vikings and a weak one from the Bears. Based on the odds, that’s what sportsbooks expect.
Bears backup Nathan Peterman isn’t a proven quantity. Starting him feels like a holdover, a necessary step to close the season so the Bears can focus on off-season moves and rebuild initiatives. 14.5 is a low line, but we don’t expect to see much from Chicago this week.
That leaves Minnesota free to play around. The Packers stifled star WR Justin Jefferson last week, and we doubt the Bears will be able to duplicate the effort. If Cousins is behind center, the Vikings could find the endzone repeatedly without much opposition.
The combined odds for this SGP are +350. A $100 bet would pay out $450.