THE DECISION: VIKINGS WILL WIN
Rick Morrissey 21-20
Terry Bannon 23-17
David Haugh 24-21
Melissa Isaacson 24-21
Vaughn McClure 24-21
John Mullin 21-20
Dan Pompei 20-17
WILD CARD: Teddy Greenstein 23-14
DISSENT: Fred Mitchell 27-24
RICK MORRISSEY FOR THE MAJORITY
Peterson too much to handle
We could spend a lot of time analyzing why the Vikings will beat the Bears, but it’s pretty simple: Adrian Peterson. The Bears can stack the line the way they did against Tennessee to stop Chris Johnson, but Peterson isn’t Johnson. He’s more like Walter Payton.
The Bears’ defense will bring some positive vibes into the Metrodome after shutting down the Rams, and that’s a good thing, especially after the embarrassment in Green Bay the week before.
Kyle Orton’s ankle will be a week better. Matt Forte is coming off a career-best 132 yards last week. There was a lot of good coming out of the St. Louis game, even if some of it might have been a mirage against the dreadful Rams.
Immediately after the victory in St. Louis, the Bears knew they would be stepping up in class against Minnesota. If the Bears want to find out what they’re made of in Lovie Smith’s six-game “season,” they should know after this game. Tough opponent in a noisy dome for first place in the NFC North? Get past this, and they’re in good shape.
Too bad Peterson’s standing in the way.
FRED MITCHELL FOR THE MINORITY
Somehow, they will find a way
It’s so much easier to analyze the past than to predict the future.
The Bears have scored more points (267) than the Vikings (253) and allowed fewer (234) than Minnesota (246) this season–one of the chief indicators for picking a winner. At least that is the key stat I am going with this weekend as I try to convince myself that the quixotic Bears can steal this huge NFC North game on the road.
The Bears have shown that they are capable of shutting down an opponent’s running game this season. But will they compromise their pass defense by concentrating fully on super back Adrian Peterson? The Bears’ defense finally adapted last Sunday by limiting the quick slant passes by the Rams. But those were the 2-9 Rams, and the 6-5 Vikings have many more weapons.
The Vikings would love to get into another track meet with the Bears on the quick indoor surface of the Metrodome. The Bears prevailed 48-41 in the first meeting at Soldier Field largely because of defensive and special teams scores and Minnesota’s five turnovers.
Something tells me the Bears will find other ways to edge the Vikings on Sunday night, perhaps with just good old-fashioned blocking and tackling.
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