NFL odds: Cutler returns for underdog Bears vs. Vikings on Monday night
The Chicago Bears (1–6) will be playing in primetime for the second week in a row with a different quarterback under center when they host the Minnesota Vikings (5–1) Monday night as six-point home underdogs at sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark.com.
The Bears fell to the Green Bay Packers 26–10 in the Week 7 Thursday night matchup and also lost quarterback Brian Hoyer to a broken arm, with reserve Matt Barkley passing for just 81 yards with two interceptions in relief.
Jay Cutler, who has been out since Week 7 with a thumb injury, has been cleared to play against Minnesota, keeping Barkley on the bench.
While Chicago has struggled at home the last few seasons, Cutler has helped lead the team to a 7–1 mark straight up in the past eight meetings at Soldier Field, according to the OddsShark NFL Database.
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In addition, the Vikings are just 1–7 SU and against the spread in their previous eight appearances on Monday night. Minnesota broke its seven-game skid on Mondays back in Week 4 with a 22–10 win over the New York Giants as 3.5-point home favorites.
The Vikings failed to cover the spread last week in a 21–10 road loss to the Philadelphia Eagles as three-point chalk for only the third time in 22 games dating back to last season and the first time this year.
Led by quarterback Sam Bradford, Minnesota’s offense struggled at Philly, as he was sacked six times for 35 yards and also threw one interception with one touchdown.
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The matchup to watch is the Bears offense versus the Vikings defense. Minnesota will likely not score a lot in this game, as five of the team’s last six road games have all gone under the total along with four of the past five meetings at Chicago.
Cutler’s career passer rating is 91.8 against the Vikings, better than any other NFC North opponent. He has also earned more wins versus Minnesota (eight) with more touchdown passes (26) than against any other opponent.
Kickoff for the Monday matchup between the Vikings and Bears is set for 8:30pm ET.
