The Minnesota Vikings secured their playoff berth and moved into a tie for first place in the NFC North with a convincing 30-12 victory against the Chicago Bears. Aaron Jones and Cam Akers each scored touchdowns in the second half, while the Vikings' defense remained relentless throughout the game. Justin Jefferson contributed with seven catches for 73 yards and a touchdown, highlighting the Vikings' offensive firepower.
Their spot in the playoffs secure, the Minnesota Vikings delivered a prime-time performance seeped in those ingredients that frequently fuel postseason success.
"Its going to be incredibly competitive down the stretch," Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said. "We're going to have to play well and continue to improve, chasing our best football." The Bears put plenty of heat on Darnold, who went 24 for 40 for 231 yards and threw his first interception in five games on a fourth-and-3 throw three plays after Jefferson dropped what would've been a 30-yard touchdown pass.
Wearing white helmets for the first time in franchise history to top the snow-like jerseys and pants in their now-annual winter-themed home game - comfortably staged indoors - the Vikings had an energized crowd behind them after former wide receivers Cris Carter and Jake Reed took a Randy Moss jersey to midfield for the coin flip in honor of their ex-teammate, who is being treated for cancer. Jefferson shouted, "We love you, Randy!" after his touchdown catch.
D'Andre Swift rushed 19 times for 79 yards for the Bears, who've been outscored 53-0 in the first half over the last three games. According to Sportradar, they're the first team with three consecutive scoreless first halves since Jacksonville in 2018.
NFL Vikings Bears Playoffs NFC North
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Vikings Aim for NFC North Sweep as They Face Bears in Week 12The Minnesota Vikings, riding a three-game winning streak, travel to Chicago to face the struggling Bears in a crucial NFC North matchup. The Vikings, 3.5-point favorites, seek to extend their dominance in the division and bolster their playoff position. Meanwhile, the Bears, facing a four-game losing skid, look to find answers and rediscover their offensive spark.
Read more »
Bears vs Vikings Predictions and Picks for MNF: Darnold & Co. Roll in NFC North ShowdownThe Minnesota Vikings already got the best of the Chicago Bears in Week 12, and we expect them to pull away at home in this primetime showdown.
Read more »
Vikings-Bears Week 15 MNF score predictions from the Vikings On SI staffWill the Vikings stretch their winning streak to seven games in primetime?
Read more »
Lions' loss to Bills means Vikings control their destiny in NFC NorthDetroit finally lost a game after winning 11 in a row. The Vikings have life in the division.
Read more »
Around the NFC North: Bears Opponents for 2025 Mean More TroubleAnalysis: The Bears are in a cycle of defeat and misery and as last-place finishers in a difficult division they figure to have trouble escaping last for next season.
Read more »
Jameson Williams Expected to Shine in Lions vs. Bears NFC North MatchupDetroit Lions' wide receiver Jameson Williams is anticipated to excel in the Thanksgiving NFL game against the Chicago Bears, with quarterback Jared Goff expected to dominate the passing game.
Read more »