Bears vs. Vikings live updates: Score, highlights from NFL Week 15 Monday Night Football
The Minnesota Vikings (11-2) are set to face the Chicago Bears (4-9) on “Monday Night Football” as part of Week 15. Both squads have brought their own surprises this season.
This year, the NFC North has turned out to be unexpectedly competitive. The Detroit Lions may lead, but the Vikings are still actively contending for the division, largely due to the impressive play of quarterback Sam Darnold.
Darnold has experienced a rollercoaster journey this season, transitioning from a highly-rated draft pick to a backup, and is now back as a starter. As of Week 15, he ranks tied for third in the league with 28 touchdown passes, helping the Vikings cope with the absence of first-round draft pick quarterback J.J. McCarthy since preseason.
On the flip side, Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, the first overall pick in 2024, has found 2024 to be a challenging year. Despite showing flashes of talent, the Bears’ organization is in a state of disarray, leading to the termination of coach Matt Eberflus shortly after Thanksgiving.
This game gives the Bears a chance to disrupt their division rivals, while the Vikings are eager to keep pace with the strong Detroit Lions as they push towards the playoffs.
YSL News Sports will be offering ongoing updates, highlights, and more for the Week 15 “Monday Night Football” encounter between the Vikings and Bears below.
Jonathan Greenard forces fumble, Blake Cashman recovers
The Bears made it to the Minnesota 30-yard line but lost possession due to a strip sack on quarterback Caleb Williams.
Jonathan Greenard recorded his fourth fumble of the season during the play, which marks his third in the last four games. Blake Cashman picked up the loose ball and returned it to the Bears’ 39-yard line before being brought down.
The Vikings regained possession midway through the first quarter, maintaining a lead of 3-0.
Vikings 3, Bears 0: Will Reichard gives Minnesota the early advantage
The Vikings successfully halted the Bears’ fourth-down attempt inside Chicago’s territory. Although the Vikings struggled to fully capitalize on their favorable field position, they managed to gain five yards before stalling. Will Reichard then nailed a 52-yard field goal.
The score is now 3-0 in favor of the Vikings, just under three minutes into the game.
Vikings debut ‘Winter Warrior’ uniforms for MNF
During this “Monday Night Football” game against the Bears, the Vikings are unveiling their new “Winter Warrior” uniforms.
Previously, the team had worn “Winter Whiteout” uniforms featuring white jerseys and pants paired with their standard purple helmet. However, for this matchup, they will sport a new white helmet to match their white jeans and tops.
Vikings vs. Bears kickoff information
- Kickoff time: 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. CT)
The “Monday Night Football” clash between the Vikings and Bears is set to start at 8 p.m. ET. This game marks the first of two “MNF” games during Week 15, resulting in an earlier-than-usual start time.
Where to watch the Vikings vs. Bears
- Broadcast channel: ABC
Viewers can catch the “MNF” matchup on ABC, with Joe Buck providing play-by-play commentary alongside Troy Aikman, his long-time partner in the booth.
Vikings vs. Bears predictions
The YSL News Sports team shares their predictions for the Vikings vs. Bears game:
- Lorenzo Reyes: Vikings 28, Bears 13
- Tyler Dragon: Vikings 28, Bears 20
- Richard Morin: Vikings 30, Bears 20
- Jordan Mendoza: Vikings 30, Bears 20
Where to stream the Vikings vs. Bears
- Live streaming options: Fubo | ESPN+
Cord-cutters looking for a live stream of the game can tune into Fubo. Fubo offers NBC, CBS, FOX, NFL Network, and ESPN channels, making it ideal to keep up with NFL coverage for the rest of the season.
Additionally, ESPN+’s streaming service will also have the game available to watch.
Stream the “Monday Night Football” game on Fubo.
Inactives for Vikings vs. Bears
- CB Stephon Gilmore
- QB Brett Rypien
- DL Levi Drake Rodriguez
- C Dan Feeney
- OT Walter Rouse
Bears inactives against the Vikings
- RB Roschon Johnson
- LB Noah Sewell
- OL Ryan Bates
- DB Ameer Speed
- OL Braxton Jones
- DL Gervon Dexter Sr.
NFC North standings update
Here are the current standings in the NFC North as we head into “Monday Night Football”:
- Detroit Lions (12-2)
- Minnesota Vikings (11-2)
- Green Bay Packers (10-4)
- Chicago Bears (4-9)
NFC Playoff Scenario
- x – Detroit Lions (12-2), leaders of NFC North
- x – Philadelphia Eagles (12-2), leaders of NFC East
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-6), leaders of NFC South
- Los Angeles Rams (8-6), leaders of NFC West
- x – Minnesota Vikings (11-2), wild card No. 1
- Green Bay Packers (10-4), wild card No. 2
- Washington Commanders (9-5), wild card No. 3
Possibly making the playoffs:
- Seattle Seahawks (8-6)
- Arizona Cardinals (7-7)
- Atlanta Falcons (6-7)
- San Francisco 49ers (6-8)
- Dallas Cowboys (6-8)
x – playoff spot secured
When Is the NFL Playoff Start Date?
The NFL playoffs will begin on January 11, leading to the Super Wild Card Weekend, and will wrap up on February 9 with Super Bowl 59, taking place in New Orleans.
Why Was Matt Eberflus Dismissed by the Bears?
The issues under Matt Eberflus have been evident throughout his three-year tenure as head coach of the Bears. His shortcomings can be highlighted by a critical moment at the end of a tough Thanksgiving loss against the Lions.
With a single timeout remaining, Eberflus observed as his rookie quarterback, Caleb Williams, struggled in the closing moments that could have led to a game-tying field goal opportunity. Instead, the quarterback launched a risky throw to Rome Odunze that was incomplete as time ran out.
Frustration was palpable among players post-game, indicating that the situation was reaching a breaking point.
“I feel like we did enough as players to win the game,” said Keenan Allen.
This sentiment encapsulates the Eberflus era: close, but ultimately disappointing.
Contract Details for Sam Darnold
Sam Darnold is currently wrapping up the final weeks of a one-year, $10 million contract he signed last offseason following a year spent with the San Francisco 49ers. Here are the specifics of the contract, according to Spotrac.com:
- Duration: 1 year
- Total Amount: $10 million
- Average Annual Value (AAV): $10 million
- Guaranteed Amount: $8.75 million
Projected Contract for Sam Darnold
- Duration: 3 years
- Total Amount: $110 million
- Average Annual Value (AAV): $36.7 million
- Guaranteed Amount: $55 million
It’s possible that Sam Darnold’s value may increase if there are multiple teams interested, including the Vikings, Tennessee Titans, New York Giants, and Las Vegas Raiders. Conversely, his overall worth might decrease if teams at the top of the 2025 NFL Draft choose to select prospects like Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward instead of signing free agent quarterbacks.
Sam Darnold’s Performance Statistics
Here are Sam Darnold’s performance stats from 13 games in 2024, showing how he ranks among other NFL quarterbacks:
- Completion Rate: 264 of 386 (68.4%) – Seventh in the NFL
- Passing Yards: 3,299 – Sixth
- Yards per Attempt: 8.5 – Fourth
- Passing Touchdowns: 28 – Tied for Third
- Interceptions: 10 – Tied for Sixth Most
- Passer Rating: 108.1 – Tied for Third
Vikings vs. Bears Betting Odds, Moneyline, Over/Under
The Vikings are predicted to defeat the Bears, according to with the BetMGM NFL odds. If you’re not interested in this game, you can check out expert opinions and top bets for every NFL matchup this week.
- Spread: Vikings (-7)
- Moneyline: Vikings (-350); Bears (+280)
- Over/Under: 43.5
Where Will the Vikings vs. Bears Game Be Played?
The Bears will visit U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to face their NFC North rivals. This stadium has been home to the Vikings since 2016.
U.S. Bank Stadium previously hosted Super Bowl 52, in which the Philadelphia Eagles triumphed over the New England Patriots.
Weather Update for Bears vs. Vikings
Since U.S. Bank Stadium is an indoor venue, outside weather conditions in Minneapolis won’t affect the game. Temperatures outdoors at game time are expected to be in the low 30s, according to AccuWeather.
Which NFL Franchise Holds the Most Super Bowl Titles?
The New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers are tied for the highest number of Super Bowl wins, each having six championships.
In contrast, the Bears and Vikings together have only achieved one Super Bowl victory.
The Vikings have appeared in four Super Bowls but have yet to earn a Lombardi Trophy, with their most recent appearance in Super Bowl XI during the 1976 season.
The Bears have made it to two Super Bowls, winning Super Bowl XX during the 1985 season. Their last Super Bowl appearance was in Super Bowl XLI in 2006. The Bears, however, hold nine NFL championships overall, ranking second in total championships behind the Green Bay Packers (who have 13).
NFL Franchises with the Most Super Bowl Wins:
- New England Patriots — 6
- Pittsburgh Steelers — 6
- Dallas Cowboys — 5
- San Francisco 49ers — 5
- Green Bay Packers — 4
- Kansas City Chiefs — 4
- New York Giants — 4
