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 While the Chicago Bears have gone the route of most recent Super Bowl losers, following up their fine 2006 season with an absolutely atrocious season this year that will cause them to miss the playoffs, the young Minnesota Vikings have been lifted by the jaw-dropping play of electrifying rookie running back Adrian Peterson and are in control of their own postseason ate for the first time in years.

The Vikings have won four straight games after getting off to a 3-6 start including last week’s dominating 27-7 win over the lowly San Francisco 49ers.

Minnesota is averaging nearly 35 points per game during their four-game winning streak, and have outscored their last three opponents by a combined score of 110-34. The Vikings are fighting for their postseason lives as they are just one game ahead of four teams tied at 6-7 for the final wild-card spot in the NFC.

The Vikings will also look to get Peterson involved early and often against the Bears’ 24th-ranked defense as the rookie was held to just three yards on 14 carries last week.

The Bears come into this contest having lost three of its last four games, including last week’s uninspiring 24-16 loss to the mediocre Washington Redskins.

Starting quarterback Rex Grossman sprained his left knee in the first quarter against the Redskins last Thursday, and will be out for the remainder of the season.

Third-year quarterback Kyle Orton, who helped lead the Bears to a 10-5 record in 2005 and the NFC North Division title before being benched in favor of Grossman, will start this week in place of Grossman with veteran Brian Griese, who has made six starts this season, backing him up. Chicago’s own Adrian Peterson will start in place of the injured Cedric Benson.

The Bears, (5-8 SU, 4-9 ATS, 7-6 O/U) are ranked 22nd in overall offense, averaging 305.2 yards and 19.5 points per game and 29th in overall defense, allowing 355.1 yards and 22.8 points per game.

The Vikings, (7-6 SU, 7-4-2 ATS, 7-6 O/U) are ranked 13th in overall offense, averaging 336.3 yards and 23.5 points per game and 25th in overall defense, allowing 344.2 yards and 18.8 points per game.

Here is a look at tonight’s key trends, followed by my analysis and free NFL betting picks.

Key Bears Trends
The Bears are 9-2 ATS in their last eleven games in Week 15.
The Bears are 4-1 ATS in their last five games following a S.U. loss.
The Bears are 4-1 ATS in their last five games following a ATS loss.

Key Vikings Trends
The Vikings are 4-0 ATS in their last four games overall.
The Vikings are 4-1 ATS in their last five games as a favorite.
The Vikings are 4-1 ATS in their last five games after allowing less than 90 yards rushing in their previous game.

Key Totals Trends
The Over is 5-0-1 in Bears last six road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
The Under is 9-2-1 in Bears last 12 games as an underdog of 3.5-10.0.
The Over is 5-0 in Vikings last five games on turf.
The Over is 5-0 in Vikings last five home games.

Key Head-to-Head Trends
The Home team is 5-1 ATS in their last six meetings.
The Bears are 1-4 ATS in their last five meetings in Minnesota.

Analysis: While the Chicago Bears are undeniably offensively challenged this season – and haven’t been much better defensively, I say take the Bears to cover the high, 11-point spread. Yes I know they’re hurting a bit with injuries, but this NFC North matchup will likely be another knock-down, drag-out affair that turns out to be a lot closer than expected.

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