Barring a surprise, the Vikings only have to survive one more game without Justin Jefferson. Will the Bears make them feel his absence on Monday night?
Chicago started to show some flashes against the Lions last week as Justin Fields made his return from a thumb injury, but a late-game collapse erased any positive feelings out of that game. Whether the Bears (3-8) come out motivated from the loss or deflated as a result of the defeat will be an indication of how the team might finish out another disappointing season.
The Vikings (6-5) fell back to Earth in prime time last week, coming up just short against the Broncos after leading for much of the second half, but they continue to like what they see out of backup QB Joshua Dobbs. Before Dobbs gains back one of the NFL’s best players, he’ll look to keep Minnesota above .500 against one of the NFC’s weaker teams.
Fortunately for the Vikings, they can’t fall out of a playoff spot this week. A win, however, would keep the surging Packers a safe distance behind and position Minnesota to stay firmly in the NFC North race. With two games remaining against the Lions and Detroit coming off a loss, it’s not far-fetched to think the division is within reach for the Vikings.
Playoff contention doesn’t seem realistic for the Bears at this point, but as Fields and coach Matt Eberflus play for their future, they will be as compelling as any non-contender down the stretch.
MORE: Watch Bears vs. Vikings live with Fubo (free trial)
The Sporting News is tracking live updates from the “Monday Night Football” game between the Bears and Vikings. Follow along with all of the key moments from the NFC North showdown.
Bears vs. Vikings score
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Bears vs. Vikings live updates, highlights from ‘Monday Night Football’
(All times Eastern)
7:17 p.m. — The Bears enter tonight with the No. 1 and No. 4 picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, and they’ll remain in those slots with or without a loss thanks to the strength of schedule tiebreaker.
7:10 p.m. — Heading into Week 13, tonight’s game is the difference between the No. 6 and No. 7 seed for the Vikings. The ramifications could be much bigger than that, though. A loss would mean the Packers, Rams and Saints only trail Minnesota by a half-game in the wild card race, while a win would keep the Vikings well within striking distance in the NFC North.
6:55 p.m. — D’Onta Foreman remains out for the Bears, along with CB Tyrique Stevenson.
Inactives for #CHIvsMIN: pic.twitter.com/LEUbk0oOdR
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) November 27, 2023
6:40 p.m. — There’s no understating the importance of these final six games for Justin Fields, who is fighting to prove he’s the Bears’ franchise quarterback. Chicago has a strong chance of landing the No. 1 overall pick in April’s draft, thanks to the Panthers’ ugly season.
6:20 p.m. — The Vikings are officially without Justin Jefferson tonight, as they’ll hold out their star receiver until they return from their bye in Week 14.
Vikings officially downgraded WR Justin Jefferson to out for tonight’s game vs. the Bears.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 27, 2023
What channel is Bears vs. Vikings on today?
Game: Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota VikingsDate: Monday, Nov. 27TV channel: ESPNLive stream: ESPN+, Fubo (U.S.) | DAZN (Canada)
Bears vs. Vikings will be aired on ESPN, which has long held the broadcast rights to “Monday Night Football.”
Joe Buck will lead the broadcast, serving as the game’s play-by-play announcer, with Troy Aikman serving as color analyst. Lisa Salters will provide updates from the sidelines.
Fans can also stream the game via ESPN+ or Fubo, which offers a free trial. Viewers in Canada can stream every NFL game via DAZN.
MORE: How Joshua Dobbs got his ‘Passtronaut’ moniker
Bears vs. Vikings start time
Date: Monday, November 27Start time: 8:15 p.m. ET
Monday’s game between the Bears and Vikings will kick off at 8:15 p.m. ET (7:15 p.m. local time) from U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minn.
The Bears haven’t beaten the Vikings since 2020, with Minnesota 6-1 against Chicago over the last four seasons. The Vikings are 8-3 at home against the Vikings since 2012.