Playing without their star quarterback, the Chicago Bears is in a must-win situation when the face the embattled Minnesota Vikings.

The Bears (6-5) are half a game behind NFC East leaders Detroit Lions (7-5), which have taken both games in the teams’ head-to-head match-ups this season.

After suffering various injuries (groin tear and high ankle injury) the past five weeks, starting quarterback Jay Cutler is scheduled to return against the Dallas Cowboys next week. For the meantime, the Bears will rely on veteran QB Josh McCown who has a 100.6 rating in the past five games.

The Bears need to get the W before Cutler’s comeback and a date with the Vikings, losers of five of their last seven games, could be the break they need.

Minnesota wants to play spoilers however and they still have Adrian Peterson who is number one in the NFL in rushing touchdowns (10) and second in rushing yards (997).

The 28-year-old running back averages 120.6 rushing yards in his last three games versus the Bears, who ranks last in the league in containing opponents’ ground game giving up 145.2 yards per game.

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Betting Against the Spread (ATS)
 Betting Lines: Chicago Bears (+1) vs. Minnesota Vikings (O/U: 50.0)

Chicago Bears Trends
 - Bears are 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 games after a loss
- Bears are 3-14 ATS in their last 17 games vs. NFC teams
- Bears are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games in December
- Bears are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games vs. NFC North teams
- Bears are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games in Week 13

Minnesota Vikings Trends
 - Vikings are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games in December
- Vikings are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games after an ATS win
- Vikings are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games vs. the Bears
- The home team is 16-6 ATS in the last 22 games between Bears and Vikings