After a month-long absence, Jay Cutler is back from his sprained thumb -- just in time, too.
The Bears are in complete free fall mode. They're 1-6 and John Fox spent the past week refuting a report that claimed he was done with Cutler. Meanwhile, Cutler has the pleasure of playing his first game against the best defense in all of football, which ranks second in DVOA, first in yards and points allowed per game, and first in takeaways.
Still, Cutler does at least have a history of playing well against the Vikings. He's posted a 91.8 passer rating against them. And the Bears (not necessarily including Fox) are excited for his return.
#Bears LB Pernell McPhee on Jay Cutler's return to QB: "We're so excited right now."
— Zach Zaidman (@ZachZaidman) October 28, 2016
"With Jay coming back," #Bears LB Pernell McPhee said. "And me coming back, that gave us new life."
— Zach Zaidman (@ZachZaidman) October 28, 2016
#Bears WR Alshon Jeffery on QB Jay Cutler's return to the lineup: "Jay's my guy. I'm excited."
— Zach Zaidman (@ZachZaidman) October 27, 2016
Meanwhile, the Vikings (5-1) are still atop the NFC North despite getting stomped by the Eagles a week ago. Their offensive line, which nearly got Sam Bradford killed in his return to Philadelphia, remains more than just a mess, it might just be what costs them a trip to the Super Bowl. Adding to the intrigue in this game is the return of Bears pass rusher Pernell McPhee, who was limited in his first game of the season a week ago.
It's Vikings-Bears on Halloween. Here's how to watch.
How to Watch
What: Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears
When: Monday, Oct. 31, 8:30 p.m. ET
Where: Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois
TV: ESPN
Stream: Watch ESPN
Online: NFL GamePass (after midnight)
Odds: The Vikings are 4.5-point favorites (via SportsLine)
Injury report
Vikings
- WR Cordarrelle Patterson (Concussion) -- Questionable
- CB Marcus Sherels (Wrist) -- Questionable
- RB Jerick McKinnon (Ankle) -- Out
- S Andrew Sendejo (Ankle) -- Out
- DT Sharrif Floyd (Knee) -- Out
- TE MyCole Pruitt (Knee) -- Questionable
- WR Jarius Wright (Ankle) -- Questionable
- G Zac Kerin (Hand) -- Out
Bears
- CB Bryce Callahan (Hamstring) -- Questionable
- NT Eddie Goldman (Ankle) -- Doubtful
- RB Jeremy Langford (Ankle) -- Questionable
- RG Kyle Long (Tricep) -- Doubtful
- LB Pernell McPhee (Knee) -- Questionable
- WR Cameron Meredith (Shoulder) -- Questionable
- CB Tracy Porter (Knee) -- Questionable
- WR Eddie Royal (Toe) -- Doubtful
- LG Josh Sitton (Ankle) -- Questionable
Prisco's pick
The Vikings are playing consecutive road games, and didn't look good last week at Philadelphia. The offensive line is a mess. But the Bears have their own issues. They should have Jay Cutler back here, which will help. This will be close, and we could see an upset.
Pick: Bears 20, Vikings 17
