The Vikings are clearly headed to their second NFC North Title in a row. The Bears meanwhile, are headed to another year of a playoff-less season. Another year of disappointment. As everyone one knows, it will be their third straight season of failing to make the playoffs after reaching the Super Bowl back in the season of '07.  This game against the Vikings will decide the season. It's a must win game. In fact, every game until the end is a must win game. If the Bears win, the playoff spirits will not have gone away, especially if they beat such a high caliber team as the Vikings.

 If the Bears do beat the Vikings, their playoff chances will have increased from a near impossible to an unlikely. But beating the Vikings will have to be a huge boost to an ailing Bears football team. Not only would you have beaten one of the top teams in the conference, beaten them in their home, but the rest of the schedule will certainly look easier. The schedule will still be intimidating but the Ravens and the Packers are no where near the class of the Minnesota Vikings. If the Bears do beat them, their toughest opponent would be the ever desperate Ravens. No, they aren't playing well at all and Joe Flacco certainly doesn't look like the same quarterback from earlier this season. But they still have one of the best defense in the league and right now, they are desperate. Desperate to return to the playoffs and after a great effort by the defense against the Colts, they will certainly look to do the same against the Steelers and ultimately, the Bears. This game will be in Baltimore, and once again, it will prove to us fans if the Bears have a legitimate shot of getting deep into the playoffs. I won't say the Packers are the best opponents since they are banged up on defense. Losing Al Haris is big and even though Aaron Chapman isn't doing so well, he is still a big part of the defense. And even though the Bears have one more game against the Vikings, I reckon Brad Childress will look to rest his players, especially if Chicago will be covered with snow or any other weather conditions not worth messing around with. I think the Bears will handle the Rams and Lions without a problem. But again, this is if the Bears beat the Vikings this Sunday.

 If not, then the season is over. But for many, the season was over after the loss to the 49ers. The Bears will now be playing for pride, and with a little luck, a wild card spot. But the Vikings are a very good football team. To me, they are better than the Saints. This team is led by superstars. Adrian Peterson and Brett Farve are one of the best players in playing their position. The offensive line has been good to Farve and they are a big reason why AP is one of the top running backs right now. They have a solid group of receivers and Sidney Rice has really stepped up his game. They have the best defensive unit in this conference and Percy Harvin is one of the most exciting return specialist and wide receiver in the game. He makes up for all the miscues the special team coverage unit makes. Brett Farve hasn't been playing well in the last couple of years against the Bears, but he will be looking to change that this Sunday.

  With an explosive offense that can fire any second, the Bears are in for a long day. The key will be to stop Adrian Peterson first and pressure Farve early and often. Jay Cutler has to be ready to pass all day because I could guarantee you that this offensive line will have a hard time creating any sort of hole for Forte to run through. The only weakness in the Vikings D is their secondary. The Bears need to know that and look for them to take some chances in the passing attack. If the Bears want to win, they will have to beat the Vikings in all three phases, special teams, offense, and defense. Oh yeah, ever heard of Jared Allen.

 As much as I wanted to believe in this football team, I'll have to be realistic. This team is mediocre at best. Jay Cutler hasn't been clutch and he's been playing with a lack of confidence right now. The defense have not gotten off the field when it would matter most and the special teams is the only thing standing out when you think about the Bears. The fans in the Metrodome will try to make the place a living hell for the our players and an enchanted heaven for their guys in purple. I'm expecting that Lovie Smith's guys to be prepared and play a hard game against the Vikings. But the Vikings are too good, too talented, and too well coached to lose to the Bears. Prove me wrong Lovie Smith. Prove me wrong. 

                                                                          I say Vikings 27 Bears 17