Revisiting the Bears – Vikings Past

The Chicago Bears – Minnesota Viking rivalry has heated up over the past few seasons and even more so now that Brett Favre has joined the mix.  While the Vikings have bested the Bears, posting a 53-42-2 all-time record, the teams have split the last 22 games, dating back to 1999.  So, I thought it would be interesting to take a look at some key offensive players in Sunday’s Bears vs. Vikings game and see how they have fared against each other in the past.

While Favre’s record against the Bears has been really good, the numbers he puts up against them haven’t been staggering.  He’s currently banged up, but set a career high in passing yardage last week.  You just never know with him.  Cutler has only faced the Vikings three times so far in his career, but has done fairly well, winning two of three games with a QB Rating of almost 100.  If the Bears offense line can hold off the aging Vikings line and establish any sort of running game, Cutler could outplay old man Favre.

Advantage:  Push

Adrian Peterson is having another strong season and he is always happy to see the Bears.  He has scored at least one rushing touchdown every time he has faced them and has never rushed for less than 78 yards.  Matt Forte is struggling this year due to Martz’s pass happy offensive scheme and poor blocking from the offensive line.  Look for the Vikings defense to plug up the middle and force Forte to the outside.  Let’s hope he has enough time to make it around the ends.

Advantage:  Vikings

It’s hard to tell which receivers for either team will see the most action on Sunday.  Sidney Rice is questionable and could see limited action.  Harvin has had some good games in his short career against the Bears and is always a threat in the return game.  However, his migraines have kept him out of practice much of this week and he is nursing a sore ankle, both of which could affect his playing time.  Hester probably won’t be much of a threat in the passing game but he has returned two punts for TDs against the Viking in the past.  If the Vikings are dumb enough to kick it to him, look for him to run ridiculous out in the cold on Sunday and see if anyone can get between him and the end zone.

Advantage:  Bears

Shiancoe will definitely be a target for Favre if Harvin and Rice see limited action.  The Bears defense has yet to allow a TD to a tight end and look for them to try and continue that streak.  Olson could be an x-factor if the weather is extra chilly.   He scored a TD last week and barring any fumbles, I think he is in line for a break out performance.

Advantage:  Bears

I don’t think the Bears could have asked for a better situation right now in Minnesota.  Favre is banged up and just told NFL Network that he will be retiring after this season (yeah, right).  Harvin and Rice aren’t 100% and Randy Moss is no longer with the team.  The Vikings defensive line has struggled this year and Jared Allen only has 3.5 sacks.  And to top it all off, Brad Childress could snap at any moment, and may not even keep his job after halftime on Sunday, if the Vikings get off to a slow start.  The Bears aren’t drama free either but I think they are heading in the right direction after last week’s win in Toronto.  A cold day in Chicago may be just what they need to improve to 4-1 at home.

Prediction:  Bears 27-24