Vikings vs. Bears NFL injury report, odds: Spread keeps rising as RB David Montgomery likely back, WR Allen Robinson out for Chicago

The Minnesota Vikings are essentially in a must-win scenario in NFL Week 15 when they visit the Chicago Bears. And while the Vikings (6-7) have their share of injury and COVID issues, the Bears (4-9) have been hit especially hard.

The point spread for the Vikings vs. Bears matchup opened at 4 points in favor of Minnesota in the NFL odds at Caesars Sportsbook, but it is up to Minnesota -7 as the Bears deal with some key player issues.

Chicago running back David Montgomery was a full participant in practice on Friday after dealing with a non-COVID illness, but star wideout Allen Robinson is one of at least 25 players dealing with COVID, another illness or injury. 

The entire starting secondary is on the COVID reserve list, with cornerback Jaylon Johnson and safety Tashaun Gipson placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Sunday. Chicago had 14 players on the list through the weekend, with safety Eddie Jackson and cornerback Artie Burns also among that group.

Nickel back Duke Shelley also is on the COVID list, while cornerback Xavier Crawford (concussion) and safety DeAndre Houston-Carson (fractured forearm) also will miss the game. The Bears activated eight players, including four defensive backs, off their practice squad on Monday.

In addition, rookie starting quarterback Justin Fields has a hand injury, but he has participated in recent practices and is slated to play. Backup QB Andy Dalton also is among the Bears players dealing with the COVID fallout.

Both starting tackles, Jason Peters on the left and Larry Borom on the right, also are out. Rookie Teven Jenkins is expected to start in place of the injured Peters against the Vikings, who are tied for the NFL lead with 41 sacks.

All of this is good news for Minnesota, which came into the Week 15 as one of five teams at 6-7. New Orleans beat Tampa Bay on Sunday Night Football to move into the final Wild-Card spot in the NFC, while the Falcons lost to San Francisco and Philadelphia hosts Washington on Tuesday. The SportsLine Projection Model gives the Vikings just a 16.4 percent chance of making the postseason. 

The Bears did get some good news on Monday, as defensive coordinator Sean Desai cleared COVID protocols and will be on the sideline. Offensive coordinator Bill Lazor remains out, so John DeFilippo will fill that role, but head coach Matt Nagy is expected to call the plays.

As for the Vikings, defensive end Danielle Hunter, who leads the team with six sacks, was moved to the COVID list over the weekend. He was already out for the season with a pectoral injury.

Minnesota doesn't have many notable players on the COVID list, but defensive end Everson Griffin (five sacks) will miss the game with a non-COVID illness. Star receiver Adam Thielen is dealing with an ankle injury. He didn't practice all week and is unlikely to play, but that should be a game-time decision.

The Vikings have beaten the Bears just once in the past six meetings and are 2-6 against the spread in the past eight. Their playoff hopes are likely done with a loss, but the injury report gives the team a lot of hope. Not to mention Minnesota ranks fourth in the NFL in total offense while Chicago is the second-worst. 

Who wins every NFL game? And which teams will sink your bankroll? Join SportsLine now to get NFL picks every week, all from the model that simulates every game 10,000 times and is up almost $7,200.