Review by: SBNation.com - All Posts. 0 comments

The roles are reversed in this game. It's the Bears, and not the Vikings, who have the better record. The Vikings, 3-5, have had significant struggles this year but got back on track last week in a comeback victory against the Cardinals. The Bears meanwhile are 5-3, even though Lovie Smith admits that could easily be 2-6.

The Vikings offensively can do a lot of things but it starts with Adrian Peterson. With the way Favre has been playing at times this year --- erratic --- you hope Peterson can get it going early in the game. The problem for the Vikes? The Bears defense is excellent this year. They're fourth overall in points scored and third in stopping the run. Most teams don't completely stop Adrian Peterson so they'll be containing him but also forcing more throws from Favre. This year, it's not always a good thing for the Vikings when Favre is throwing a lot.

The Bears have been miserable on offense at times this season but with Jay Cutler and MIke Martz you expect some points to be scored. Defensively the Vikings are pretty stout against the run and pass but last week they started to find their pass rush again so that could be bad news for Cutler and Co.

The Vikings are one point favorites in Chicago, which is somewhat surprising considering the records of each team. I'll take the Vikings in this game, assuming their pass rush is up and rolling like it was last week. The Bears win a tight NFC North battle by a field goal.

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