• QB Justin Fields, Chicago Bears — over 9.5 rushing attempts: The Justin Jefferson-less Vikings offense is not really potent enough to blow a team out, so the run game should be a continued option for the Bears. And there is always the option for Fields to scramble on a dropback against a good pass-rushing unit.
• A solid return last week: Last week, 14 of Fields' 18 rushing attempts were designed, and eight came in the first half when the Bears were behind in the game. So, we are inclined to believe that it will likely continue for at least a few weeks if the injury is the issue.
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Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
GAME OVERVIEW
Despite losing starting quarterback Kirk Cousins (Achilles) for the season and star wide receiver Justin Jefferson to a long stint on the injured reserve, the Minnesota Vikings managed to win five consecutive games, moving from 1-4 to 6-4 before the one-point loss to the resurgent Denver Broncos last week.
Joshua Dobbs, the Vikings' stand-in starter at quarterback, has proved serviceable for two teams this year. And while he doesn't offer too much upside in the passing game, he has managed to keep drives alive with his legs, and that option in the red zone has helped put points on the board.
A home game against the struggling Chicago Bears gives the Vikings a good opportunity to get back on track.
Quarterback comparison
| Quarterback | J. Fields | J. Dobbs |
| PFF Grade | 73.7 | 67.3 |
| Passer Rating Clean | 103.6 | 91.5 |
| Passer Rating Under Pressure | 78.3 | 69.3 |
| Big-Time Throw % | 3.3% | 2.0% |
| Turnover-Worthy Play % | 2.9% | 4.0% |
Justin Fields returned to the Bears last week after multiple weeks out with a dislocated thumb. It was almost the perfect return. Chicago held a 12-point lead in the middle of the fourth quarter — so Fields was not required to throw the ball too much — but the Bears failed to see it through and fell to 3-8.
Fields’ rushing ability is a big part of what makes him so dangerous, and although they did not need him in the passing game in Week 11, he did carry the ball 18 times for 104 yards.
D’Onta Foreman is out injured this week, so Chicago's running back injury roulette wheel has spun back to the starting point, with Khalil Herbert as the first option and rookie Roschon Johnson as the backup.
QB Justin Fields, Chicago Bears: Over 9.5 Rush Attempts (+108 Caesars)
Whether last week's rushing output was due to the injury Fields suffered to his throwing hand or because the Bears just wanted to get him more involved in the run game, only time will tell.
Still, 14 of his 18 rushing attempts were designed, and eight came in the first half when the Bears were behind in the game, so I am inclined to believe that it will likely continue for at least a few weeks if the injury is the issue.
The Justin Jefferson-less Vikings offense is not really potent enough to blow a team out, so the run game should be a continued option for the Bears, and there is always the option for Fields to scramble on a dropback against a good pass-rushing unit.
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