2022 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 18

Minnesota Vikings (12-4) at Chicago Bears (3-13)

Sunday, January 8, 1:00 PM ET

You can’t put a blemish on your perfect 11-0 record in one-score games if you get blown out. I see what the Vikings were doing there.

The Vikings, in all seriousness, are coming off of a huge loss to the Green Bay Packers this past week. They have been flirting with “disaster” nearly every single week this season but the Vikings, to their credit, have been able to finish tight games better than just about any team in the NFL. The biggest question about this team at this point is whether or not they are as “fraudulent” as many NFL fans and pundits would have you believe.

I tend to have one foot in both camps. On one hand, the Vikings have such explosive pieces offensively that you can’t count this team out of any game. They can win shootouts and we’ve seen them prove that.

On the other hand, how do you win all 11 of your one-possession games? Sometimes in the NFL, it’s better to be lucky than just good. For a frame of reference of just how amazing it is that the Vikings are where they are today, consider that while they have won 11 one-score games, the Denver Broncos have been in 12 one-score games and are 3-9 in those games.

The Vikings are near the top of the NFC right now with a matchup against one of the league’s most dynamic quarterbacks and one of its worst defenses in Chicago. I’m sure the Bears would love to end this season on a high note but also, this team would love to be in control of the NFL Draft and have the top pick if at all possible.

Prediction: Vikings win 28-21