Out of the playoffs, this game will perhaps mean more to Mike Tice than anyone else as his job as head coach could be on the line. Tice is out of contract on Jan. 31 and owner Zygi Wilf could decide on a coaching move as early as Monday.
Tice and Wilf are said to have a good working relationship, so ulitmately that could still save Tice.
The season has been a roller coaster ride of disappointment, embarrassment and success, which saw the Vikings start 2-5, go through the "Love Boat" cruise affair, but then come back with a six-game winning streak.
If the Vikings beat the Bears, it would give them a 9-7 record for the season - one game improvement on last season when they finished 8-8. They would also be 5-1 in the NFC North and 6-2 at home. These are hard facts. What isn't so certain is if victory will help Tice return as coach next season.
Our football betting spreads have Minnesota at -4 for the Bears game.