The Minnesota Vikings (6-7) barely avoided an epic collapse last week in a 36-28 victory over Pittsburgh. They led 29-0 on a Thursday night, then hung on when they forced an incomplete pass in the end zone on the final play.
Ben Roethlisberger threw a perfect pass to Pat Freiermuth. Safety Harrison Smith hit the rookie tight end and dislodged the ball as Xavier Woods and Anthony Barr converged, and the Vikings came out on top in yet another nail-biter.
Now, they'll try not to stumble when they visit the struggling Chicago Bears on Monday night.
The only time this year Minnesota has had a game decided by more than eight points was a 30-17 victory over Seattle in late September. The Vikings have four losses by three points or less.
Along with all those close calls, Minnesota is part of a tight pack vying for one of the NFC's seven playoff spots. Six teams in the conference have six or seven wins.
The Bears (4-9), meanwhile, are reeling with seven losses in eight games. They fell 45-30 at Green Bay last week after getting dominated in the second half.
Prized quarterback Justin Fields had his moments after missing the previous two games because of broken ribs, throwing for 224 yards and running for 74 more. He also had an interception returned for a 55-yard touchdown by Rasul Douglas.
Now, he figures to be tested by a defense with a league-leading 41 sacks.
Both teams are dealing with COVID issues.
The Bears had six players on the reserve/COVID-19 list through Wednesday, including nose tackle Eddie Goldman, cornerback Artie Burns, defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. and right tackle Larry Borom.
The Vikings had 16 players shelved by virus protocols in less than six weeks. Nine had returned.
Receiver/punt returner Dede Westbrook was added to the list Tuesday, a day after running back Alexander Mattison and wide receiver/special teams ace Dan Chisena went on it.
Vikings star receiver Adam Thielen missed the most recent game with a sprained ankle. It was unclear when he'll return.
Game time is 7:15 local time.
