2020 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 15

Chicago Bears (6-7) at Minnesota Vikings (6-7)

Sunday, December 20, 1PM ET

This is do-or-die for these NFC North foes. The Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears currently sit in the No. 8 and No. 9 spots in the conference, respectively, meaning a loss could spell near elimination while a win could keep the window of opportunity open for another week or two.

So who gets the victory in Week 15? You can call this bias if you want, but I’m giving the oh-so-subtle edge to the Minnesota Vikings. They’ve already taken down the Chicago Bears once this season, and have looked like the more complete team down the stretch.

There are two main factors in my mind. The first is which Mitchell Trubisky comes to play. He was exceptional in Week 14 but remains all over the map. If the Vikings can get pressure on him early and force him into mistakes, his confidence will crumble. The second is that Minnesota needs to capitalize on opportunities when they arise — missing three field goals simply isn’t an option.

Kirk Cousins steps up against a formidable Chicago defense, and Dalvin Cook has a much better game than the last time these two teams met. In the waning minutes, Minnesota’s defense gets a miraculous stop and keeps their slim changes of a playoff berth alive.

Prediction: Vikings win 26-24