NFL Week 12 XBOX Simulation Picks - Bears vs. Vikings

Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings 4:15 ET

Week 12 of the NFL sports betting season continues Sunday afternoon when the Chicago Bears (4-6, 4-6 ATS) invade the HHH Metrodome to go at it with the Minnesota Vikings (4-5, 4-5 ATS) in an NFC North pro football betting battle; kick-off is set for 4:15 ET and can be seen nationally on FOX.

These teams split their two meetings with both teams holding serve both SU and ATS at home. The home team has covered 7 of the L/9 overall meetings, and the Bears have dropped 5 of their L/7 visits to Minny ATS. The over’s cashed in 5 of the L/7 meetings as well (5-1-1 ATS).

Weather: Dome.

The Bears entered this Week 12 football betting match-up with the division rival Vikings on life support. After letting a number of scoring opportunities once again slip through the fingers last week vs. Philly, the offense wanted to get on the board immediately in this spot.

They did exactly that as QB Jay Cutler actually hit some wide open WR’s this time around to move the Bears offense into Vikings territory on their 3rd play from scrimmage. After Cutler hooked up with TE Greg Olsen for a 17-yard gain, RB Matt Forte actually found some running room off left tackle and got the Bears inside the Vikes red zone. After the first two plays went for minimal yardage, CHI OC Ron Turner made a great call going with a screen to RB Kahlil Bell who took it 13-yards for the first score of the game.

Chicago’s lead was short lived however as QB Brett Favre moved the offense with ease on his first three passes of the game to set the Vikes up 1st and 10 from CHI’s 40-yard line. After a 2-yard gain by RB Adrian Peterson, Favre connected with almost certain rookie of the year WR Percy Harvin on a slant, and the Florida product rumbled 28-yards for the tying score.

Chicago held the Vikes to a three and out and took over on their own 22-yard line. Cutler continued to complete passes at an excellent percentage, but he got a bit cocky and threw his pick trying to force one into WR Earl Bennett. Minnesota took a 7-point lead a few plays later when “All Day” cut through the middle of the Bears defense and galloped 32-yards to pay dirt. Minny held a 7-point lead at the break.

Both defenses dominated the 3rd quarter as both clubs brought it on every down. There was some major hitting going down.

The Bears tied the game up on their first possession of the 4th quarter when Cutler and WR Devin Hester hooked up for a 23-yard pass and catch. But once again, it didn’t stay that way long.

Percy Harvin returned the kick-off 77-yards to set Favre and company up with fantastic field position. RB Peterson toted the mail the rest of the way carrying the pigskin a total of 4 times before scoring his second TD of the game from 4-yards out.

Chicago couldn’t get anything done the rest of the way, and were stopped on downs with just 1:45 left with no timeouts. Hey at least Cutler didn’t throw a pick to end the game for the third straight week. Vikes win; Bears cover in a low scorer!

Take Chicago (+10.5) and Under 46.5 –110 in the BetUS Sportsbook.