The Chicago Bears have been playing the Minnesota Vikings for 51 years, going all the way back to the first season the Vikes were in the league -- 1961. Let's take a look at some quick stats from this series.

Overall series: Vikings lead 52-48-2 (the ties came in 1963 and 1967)

Current streak: Bears have won 5 straight

Under Lovie Smith: Bears lead 10-6

Since Jay Cutler: Bears lead 5-1

Longest winning streak: Vikings won 8 straight from 1972- 1976.

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Did you know?

- Bears offensive coordinator Mike Tice set an NFL record while head coach of the Minnesota Vikings -- His team once went 36 straight games with 300+ yards of offense, a record that still stands.

- In 2012, Mike Tice's offense has only tallied 300 yards of offense four times in ten games.

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Remember when...

- The Metrodome's roof collapsed in 2010, and the game had to be played in TCF Ban Stadium, home of the Minnesota Golden Gophers? This was also the game that Bears defensive end Corey Wootton sacked Brett Favre, which turned out to be the last play of Favre's 20-year NFL career.

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Sack watch:

In Jared Allen's last four games versus the Bears, he's registered 6.5 sacks. This week, he'll face an offensive line that is once again playing musical chairs, against a recently-concussed Jay Cutler.