Last meeting
In Week 6, the Vikings defeated the Bears 34-31. RB Adrian Peterson ran all over the Bears defense, racking up 224 yards on 20 carries. Both teams combined for 30 points in the fourth quarter and Ryan Longwell's 55-yard field goal (set up by an 53-yard kickoff return by Peterson) sealed the win as time expired.
Last week
The Bears lost to the Redskins 24-16 on Thursday night. Starting QB Rex Grossman suffered a left knee injury in the first quarter, and backup Brian Griese finished the game, throwing interceptions on consecutive second-quarter posessions. The Bears were unable to stop Redskins backup QB Todd Collins, who threw two TD passes while replacing the injured Jason Campbell. ... The Vikings defense stepped up to help Minnesota defeat the 49ers 27-7. Defensive tackles Pat Williams and Kevin Williams each recorded an interception (the first DT duo in NFL history to do so), and offensively, Chester Taylor scampered 84 yards for a TD to round out the scoring for the Vikes.
Key matchup:
Vikings RB Adrian Peterson vs. Bears RB Adrian Peterson. The Bears announced this week that Kyle Orton would get the start under center. Unless the game plan calls for Orton to come out slinging in his 2007 debut, the Bears will likely rely on Peterson (starting for Cedric Benson, who was placed on IR after Week 12) to fight his way through the best rush defense in the league. Peterson has collected 279 scrimmage yards in past three games. For the Vikings, rookie running sensation Peterson has already proven he can run over the Bears defense (see last meeting), which is giving up more than 123 yards per game on the ground. Peterson is averaging 109.1 yards per game and is second in the league in rushing despite a 3-yard effort last week.
Did you know?
Bears DE Mark Anderson has 17 sacks in the first 29 games of his career. ... Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson has won five starts in row and is 7-2 (.778) as a starter this year.