The set-up: Win or lose, the Bears are in the playoffs. Chicago does have a lot to play for here, as a victory today and a San Francisco win will earn it a bye into the divisional round of the playoffs. The Vikes though need a victory here, or there done. If they win though, then they're in. The entire season of turmoil can be put behind them with one big winning effort and that's exactly what I'm expecting to see happen. If the Bears go down early, one has to wonder how long they'll try to keep up the fight? Already assured a spot, clearly this one "means more" to Minnesota. "It is going to be a heightened sense of urgency. For us, playoffs have already started," Minnesota coach Mike Zimmer assessed at his Wednesday press conference. "We know that we have to win this game in order to get into them. There has to be heightened sense of energy and focus and study time," he added. "You have to make sure that your bodies are rested and understand it is going to be a physical football game on Sunday."

The pick: Note as well that Chicago is 5-10 ATS in its last 15 as a road underdog, while Minnesota is 11-4 ATS in its last 15 as a home favorite of 7 points or less. Lay the points.

8* play