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The call: Vikings vs. Chicago

By Matt Vensel

December 28, 2014 at 3:43AM

The benching of Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, shown at practice Wednesday in Lake Forest, Ill., lasted one game. Jimmy Clausen suffered a concussion in last Sunday’s loss to Detroit, meaning Cutler will be back under center against the Vikings. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

WEEK 17: noon vs. Chicago • Ch. 9 (100.3-FM, 1130-AM)

30

VIKINGS

27

BEARS

One man's prediction: The first year of the Mike Zimmer era wraps up today, and needless to say, he wants the season to end with a victory, even if just to get the taste of last week's last-minute loss to the Dolphins out of his mouth. The Bears dominated the Vikings the last time they played, but a lot has changed for these two teams since then. Look for an inspired effort for Zimmer's squad as they win a fast-moving, high-scoring season finale.

Three keys

PUTTING THE D BACK TOGETHER

The last time we saw the Vikings, their much-improved defense was getting ripped apart. The Dolphins scored four touchdowns in a row to rally last Sunday. Zimmer said it was the worst his defense has played all season. After all, it was the most yards a Zimmer defense had allowed in a game since 2007. Can the Vikings bounce back and end 2014 on a high note against a Bears offense that has given them problems over the past few years?

Bears have been bad news

Speaking of that Week 11 meeting, the 21-13 final score doesn't reflect how dominant the Bears offense was in that game. With running back Matt Forte rushing for 117 yards and quarterback Jay Cutler picking on cornerback Josh Robinson, the Bears outgained the Vikings by 225 yards and held the ball for more than 38 minutes. Cutler will start after a one-game benching, since backup Jimmy Clausen is sidelined because of a concussion, and historically he has had the Vikings' number.

TEDDY B Chasing Big Ben

While Cutler's erratic play has doomed the Bears, the Vikings have been lifted lately by the performance of their quarterback. Rookie Teddy Bridgewater has completed more than 70 percent of his passes in each of the past four games. His completion percentage has climbed to 64.2 percent, putting him within striking distance of Ben Roethlisberger's rookie record of 66.4. But he will have to be lights-out to break it.

Player to watch

XAVIER RHODES, VIKINGS

The biggest change for the Bears is the loss of star receiver Brandon Marshall. They still have another good one in Alshon Jeffery, but Marshall's absence could tip this one in the Vikings' favor. In Week 11, Cutler mostly avoided Rhodes, who couldn't cover both Marshall and Jeffery, and went after other corners. With Marshall out, look for Rhodes to trail Jeffery. And if the young corner can eliminate him, the Vikings should win.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the Packers will win the NFC North and a first-round bye if they beat Detroit today. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)