Minnesota Vikings clobber reeling Chicago Bears to move into tie atop NFC Aaron Jones and Cam Akers had touchdown runs in the second half to complement a smothering performance by the Minnesota defense, and the Vikings moved into a tie for first place in the NFC North on Monday night by beating the Chicago Bears 30-12 for their seventh consecutive victory.
Wearing white helmets for the first time in franchise history to top the snow-like jerseys and pants in their now-annual winter-themed home game – comfortably staged indoors – the Vikings had an energized crowd behind them after former wide receivers Cris Carter and Jake Reed took a Randy Moss jersey to midfield for the coin flip in honor of their ex-teammate, who is being treated for cancer.
The first overall pick in the 2024 draft went 18 for 31 for 191 yards and threw a late touchdown pass to Keenan Allen after a blocked punt gave the Bears the ball at the Minnesota 27.
Darnold went 24 for 40 for 231 yards and threw his first interception in five games for the Vikings (12-2), who clinched a spot in the playoffs with Seattle’s loss to Green Bay the night before.
Justin Jefferson had seven catches for 73 yards, among them a touchdown from Sam Darnold in the first quarter that was set up by Jonathan Greenard’s sack and forced fumble on Caleb Williams.
