Week 17 – Vikings vs. Bears
The Vikings have won the division for the second time in three years. The Bears have finished last in the NFC North for three straight seasons.
A win by Minnesota secures a first-round bye in the playoffs. A win by the Bears secures a lower (worse) draft pick.
According to NFL.com the Vikings have a 15.9% chance of making Super Bowl 52 in their home stadium on February 4th. The Bears are 5-10 and currently sit at ninth in the 2018 NFL Draft order.
The two teams, heading in polar opposite directions, face off Sunday in the 2017 regular season finale. It’s obvious which squad is the favorite, but let’s take a look at how the division rivals stack up by the numbers.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Minnesota’s home record is 6-1. The Vikings have won two in a row and are 4-1 in their last five games.
Offensive ranks:
- Total offense = 10th (358.9 YPG)
- Passing = 13th (238.2 YPG)
- Rushing = 8th (120.7 YPG)
- Scoring = 10th (23.9 PPG)
Defensive ranks:
- Total defense = 1st (280.9 YPG)
- Passing = 2nd (193.8 YPG)
- Rushing = 2nd (87.1 YPG)
- Scoring = 1st (16.1 PPG)
Offensive leaders:
- Passing – QB Case Keenum: 3,358 yards with 21 touchdowns and seven interceptions
- Rushing – RB Latavius Murray: 731 yards with six touchdowns
- Receiving – WR Adam Thielen: 1,215 yards with four touchdowns
Defensive leaders:
- Tackles – MLB Eric Kendricks: 109
- Sacks – DE Everson Griffen: 13
- Interceptions – S Harrison Smith: 5
CHICAGO BEARS
Chicago’s road record is 2-5.
Offensive ranks:
- Total offense = 30th (293.2 YPG)
- Passing = 31st (176.0 YPG)
- Rushing = 11th (117.2 YPG)
- Scoring = 29th (16.9 PPG)
Defensive ranks:
- Total defense = 8th (318.6 YPG)
- Passing = 8th (213.1 YPG)
- Rushing = 9th (105.5 YPG)
- Scoring = 10th (19.8 PPG)
Offensive leaders:
- Passing – QB Mitchell Trubisky: 2,015 yards with seven touchdowns and seven interceptions
- Rushing – RB Jordan Howard: 1,113 yards with nine touchdowns
- Receiving – WR Kendall Wright: 585 yards with one touchdown
Defensive leaders:
- Tackles – LB Christian Jones: 87
- Sacks – DE Akiem Hicks: 8.5
- Interceptions – Three players (CB Kyle Fuller, S Eddie Jackson, CB Bryce Callahan): tied at 2
Noteworthy Stats
- Chicago’s offense is last in the NFL in red zone attempts.
- Minnesota’s offense is third in the NFL in third-down completion percentage (43.8%). Chicago’s offense is 24th (36.3%).
- Minnesota’s defense is first in the NFL in third-down completion percentage (26.3%). Chicago’s defense is 21st (39.3%).
The Vikings and Bears showdown is at noon today.