NFL odds Week 14: Bears vs. Vikings

The Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings, both severely hampered by key injuries, meet Sunday in a crucial NFC North game. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. ET, with television coverage on Fox. Despite the fact that the game will be played in the Metrodome, the Bears are three-point favorites to win.

After a hot start, the Minnesota Vikings (6-6) have faded from contention for the NFC North crown. The Vikings have lost four of their last five games, including a 23-14 defeat last week at Green Bay. When Minnesota last faced Chicago two weeks ago at Soldier Field, the Vikings came away 28-10 losers. The Vikings will be without wide receiver Percy Harvin, who remains out with an ankle sprain. Defensive end Jared Allen is questionable with a back injury.

Chicago (8-4) is suffering from its own injuries. Linebacker Brian Urlacher will not play this week, and may miss the remainder of the regular season due to a hamstring strain. Cornerback Tim Jennings, who leads the league with eight interceptions, is questionable. The Bears will have to rely on their offense, led by quarterback Jay Cutler, if they are to get a win in the Metrodome and keep pace with Green Bay.

Chicago has been highly successful against Minnesota in the last three seasons, going 5-0 both straight up and against the spread over that period. Neither team has met expectations recently: The Bears are 2-4-1 against the spread in their last seven contests, and the Vikings are 1-5-1 ATS over the same period, and 3-6-1 ATS in their last ten home games.

The total is set at 39. Chicago has gone over the total in four of their last five road games, and the Vikings have hit the over in 10 of their last 15 home contests.

For more odds information, visit Oddsshark.com.