Free Pick: Minnesota 6-7 at Chicago 4-9 12/20/21

This is a pretty doggy Monday night game for this late in the season. It involves two NFC North division rivals, one of which has playoff hopes, (Minnesota), and one that doesn’t, (Chicago). The Vikings will know what every team they are contending with has done,except Seattle, who play tomorrow night because of COVID problems. Let’s look at the lines.

TOTAL TEAM POINTS:

Minnesota: 24.5 Total Team Points The Vikings have consistently put up points all year and it always amuses me when everyone blames Kirk Cousins for their problems. They have scored 24 or more points in 10 of their 13 games. That doesn’t sound like quarterback and offense problems to me. Furthermore, Cousins has thrown for 3,569 yards and 27 touchdowns with only 5 interceptions. The Bears’ defense is decent, especially at home. This is the first of two games between these teams in the last four weeks. I’ll take the Vikings OVER 24.5 team points.

Chicago: 19.5 Total Team Points The Bears are averaging 18 points per game and, obviously, that has been a big problem. They did manage to score 27 in the first half last week at Green Bay, but still lost. The Minnesota defense has been their problem and they are giving up almost 26 points per game. I like Chicago OVER 19.5 team points.

OVER/UNDER: 44.5 Combined Team Points This is the betting line I like the best. I picked the OVER on both teams team totals and I’m thinking there will be more scoring than usual between these two teams. I will take OVER 44.5 combined points.

POINT SPREAD: Minnesota is a 6-point favorite The Vikings should cover this line because they are that much better than the Bears. But, they are so inconsistent and a total risk every time they tee it up. However, one of the Dudes is going with the Vikes.

AARON’S PICK: Minnesota -6

PAPA DUDES PICK: OVER 44.5 combined points