Vikings vs Bears Odds: Jefferson Injury Adds to Minnesota’s Woes

The Minnesota Vikings are reeling. Injuries and underperformance are mostly to blame. Is it too late to save their season? Sunday, they’ll visit the Chicago Bears.

While the Vikings opened as 4.5-point favorites, the latest NFL lineshave dropped them to -2.5 (-115).They’re also -144 on the moneyline, while Chicago is +2.5 (-105) on the spread and +124 to win outright. The total, meanwhile, has moved from 48.5 to 43.5 (-115 Over, -105 Under).

Read on as we break down the Vikings vs Bears odds in our NFL Week 6 game preview.

Betting Trends

The Minnesota Vikings are 1-3-1 against the spread this football season and 2-8-1 over their last 11 games. The total has gone Under in four of the Vikings’ last five games. The Chicago Bears are also 1-3-1 ATS, including 2-10-1 over their last 13 NFL matchups. The total has gone Over in each of Chicago’s five games this pro football season. That’s important to remember when assessing the Vikings vs Bears odds.

Adding Injury to Insult

Things keep getting worse for the Minnesota Vikings. In addition to sitting last place in the NFC North at 1-4, the Vikings are now expected to be without star receiver Justin Jefferson for at least the next month. The three-time Pro Bowler landed on injured reserve after hurting his hamstring in Sunday’s 27-20 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Jefferson was off to another terrific start this season, ranking third in the NFL in receiving yards (571) through five games. This after he led the league in 2022. But his absence leaves a significant void for a team that was already reeling. While the Vikings have other capable pass-catchers, including rookie first-rounder Jordan Addison, there’s simply no replacing Jefferson.

Oddsmakers were quick to adjust to Jefferson’s injury, dropping his odds for NFL Offensive Player of the Year to +4000. The Vikings also took a major hit, as they’re now +750 to win the NFC North. They’re also just +375 to make the playoffs after opening at +100.

The Vikings were a prime candidate for regression. Eleven of their 13 wins in 2022 came by one score, surpassing the previous record of 10 shared by the 1978 Oilers and 2019 Seahawks. That said, many were still optimistic of their chances. After all, they were projected for 8.5 wins, with a heavy lean toward the Over.

The Vikings may now get nowhere near that total, especially with Jefferson sidelined. There’s also the chance that Kirk Cousins(1,498 passing yards, 13 touchdowns) is dealt at the trade deadline, which would further diminish their chances. This is quickly shaping up to be a lost season for Minnesota. Keep that in mind when analyzing the Vikings vs Bears odds.

Victory at Last

The Chicago Bears finally got off the mat in Week 5, thumping the Washington Commanders 40-20 on Thursday Night Football. A 6-point underdog, Chicago jumped to a 27-3 halftime lead before covering for the first time this NFL season.

After a brutal start to the season, Justin Fields has begun to turn it around. He’s passed for eight touchdowns over the past two weeks, including four against Washington. That’s despite being sacked 20 times on the season, third-most in the NFL.

At 1-4, Chicago remains a longshot to go anywhere. The Bears are +3500 to win the NFC North and +1400 to make the playoffs, down from +160. It’s hardly a surprise, as the Bears have looked extremely suspect.

DJ Moore, acquired this offseason in a blockbuster deal for the No. 1 pick, ranks fifth in the NFL with 531 receiving yards. He’s coming off a 230-yard, three-touchdown performance against the Commanders. Tight end Cole Kmet has stepped up too, with three touchdowns over the past two weeks.

But besides them, the Bears are relatively devoid of playmakers. And it certainly doesn’t help that Khalil Herbert, their leading rusher, is now sidelined with a high ankle sprain.

The Bears were projected for 7.5 wins, but based on the NFL game results, they’ll have trouble reaching that total.

Handicapping the Game

The Vikings have been one of the NFL’s biggest disappointments, and there doesn’t appear to be much chance of saving them. Jefferson’s injury is a crushing blow.

Although Chicago’s gotten off to an equally poor start, Fields is beginning to play closer to his potential. Now he faces a defense that ranks near the bottom of the league in both yards (342.4) and points (24.4) allowed per game. There will be plenty more opportunities for him to make plays, especially if Chicago can keep him upright.

At the very least, Chicago should be able to keep this within a field goal, if not win outright.

For current NFL scores, NFL betting news, analysis and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.

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