The Vikings will visit Soldier Field on Sunday for the Bears second straight divisional game, here’s three player performances to watch.
The Chicago Bears have lost four straight games and are underdogs this Sunday at home against the Minnesota Vikings. Coaching has also played a role in these losses, and it certainly feels like it could be again on Sunday, as the Vikings have an elite coaching staff, and the Bears do not.
But the performances on the field are where we focus in this article. We’ve been riding Caleb Williams for most of the season, but we will pass on his yardage prop this week as it’s a tough game to decipher. If Williams can beat Brian Flores’ pressure and get the ball out quickly, he’s going over, if he doesn’t, he’s going under. So if you want to bet Williams, bet it based on how you think that aspect of the game goes. But here are three other player props to consider, odds courtesy of FanDuel.
Kennan Allen OVER 39.5 receiving yards -114
Allen has averaged 40.2 yards per game over his last five games, so why do we suddenly think he will exceed those numbers this week? Easy. Brian Flores. Allen is second on the team in targets per game and specializes in quick routes near the line of scrimmage. Thomas Brown is going to want Williams to get the ball out really quickly against Flores’ blitzing cover 0 defense which should mean Williams will target Allen often and try to get him the ball. I expect Allen to lead the team in targets this week and pull in 6 or 7 catches for 50 yards or so. The yards per catch won’t be good, but he will be utilized as a blitz-beater.
EDIT: Allen is questionable for the game, but he said he expects to play.
D’Andre Swift UNDER 63.5 rushing yards -114
This prop has currently been pulled at FanDuel but is up at other books right now. FanDuel is going to wait to have a better idea of what’s going on with Swift’s groin before they post any numbers. Regardless, Swift won’t be 100% and the Vikings’ run defense is strong and with a middling Bears’ offensive line, I don’t think the Bears get the running game going at all. In recent games, the Vikings allowed 15 yards to Tony Pollard, 44 yards to Travis Etienne, and 48 yards to Jonathan Taylor. I struggle to see Swift outperforming Taylor, especially if the Bears are trailing.
Justin Jefferson OVER 82.5 receiving yards -114
Jefferson has only been under 81 yards receiving in two games the entire season. Based on his numbers alone, he should be right at this number. But the Bears have an elite corner in Jaylon Johnson that could shut him down, right? Well, Matt Eberflus doesn’t shadow wide receivers, so Jefferson will be covered by Johnson, but he will also have ample opportunities against Tyrique Stevenson and Terell Smith who he should have very little trouble beating. I think Jefferson approaches or eclipses 100 receiving yards this week and does most of his damage when Johnson isn’t covering him.