Bears vs. Vikings on MNF: Justin Fields leads winning drive, Joshua Dobbs has four INTs

As the late great Aaliyah once said, if at first you don’t succeed, then dust yourself off and try again.

That’s exactly what the Chicago Bears (4-8) did in a 12-10 win over NFC North foe the Minnesota Vikings (6-6) to conclude Week 12 at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Kicker Cairo Santos nailed a 30-yard field goal, his fourth of the game, with 13 seconds left after missing his first attempt of the game from 48 yards out. The drive was helped by a 36-yard pass from Justin Fields to DJ Moore after the quarterback fumbled on back-to-back drives.

“It’s my teammates, coaches, they stayed behind me,” Fields said on the ESPN broadcast after the game. “… We were just focused on the present moment and the future.”

Fields finished 27-of-37 for 217 yards and was Chicago’s leading rusher with 12 carries for 59 yards.

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The Bears defense intercepted Joshua Dobbs four times, a career-high for the Vikings quarterback. Chicago only scored three points off the turnovers.

Minnesota was on top briefly in the fourth quarter when Dobbs tossed a 17-yard touchdown to T.J. Hockenson. The tight end didn’t get a catch until the third quarter when he had three on Minnesota’s first drive of the second half.

Hockenson was the Vikings' leading receiver with five catches for 50 yards. They were still without star receiver Justin Jefferson, who will most likely return to action from his hamstring injury after Minnesota’s bye next week.

Chicago is the first team to win a game this season without scoring a touchdown.

This is the Bears' first win in Minnesota since 2020. — Victoria Hernandez

Winners and losers of Bears' win over Vikings

WINNERS

Bears defense: The Bears defense played winning football. Chicago’s defense forced four takeaways. Jaylon Johnson, T.J. Edwards, Kyler Gordon and Jaquan Brisker each took turns intercepting Vikings quarterback Joshua Dobbs.

Dobbs had a career-worst four interceptions in the loss. His 51.6 passer rating was a season-low.

Chicago’s defense frustrated the Vikings throughout the contest.

The Bears defense held the Minnesota to just 2-for-9 on third downs and 0-for-2 on fourth downs.

Bears pass rusher Montez Sweat tallied three tackles, 1.5 sacks and three QB hits in the win.

Vikings defense: Minnesota’s defense did its best to win. Despite the loss, the Vikings' defensive unit kept the Bears out of the end zone. Unfortunately, four field goals was all it took in a low-scoring affair.

The Vikings stripped the football loose from Justin Fields twice in the fourth quarter. One fumble led to a touchdown, but it wasn’t enough in what was an ugly home loss for Minnesota.

Vikings linebacker Danielle Hunter had nine tackles, 1.5 sacks, two tackles for loss, three QB hits and a force fumble in the defeat.

DJ Moore shines on Monday night: Moore was Chicago’s only source through the air on offense.

Moore’s 36-yard reception set up Chicago’s game-winning field goal in the fourth quarter. The 36-yard completion was the longest play on either side.

The Bears' top wideout finished with a season-high 11 catches for 114 receiving yards. More than half of Fields’ passing yards (217) were on completions to Moore.

Matt Eberflus finally gets divisional victory: The Bears head coach might be on the hot seat, but he can have a victory champagne after Week 12. Monday’s game was Eberflus’ first NFC North victory. It’s the Bears' first divisional win since 2021.

LOSERS

Offense a lost art Monday night: Monday night was a battle of inept offenses. There were six combined turnovers (four by the Vikings and two by the Bears).

Defenses on both sides played well, but a lack of execution and poor decision making marred both offenses.

Dobbs threw four picks. He and Jordan Addison couldn’t connect on a walk-in touchdown in the fourth quarter. Their failed connect summarized the night for Minnesota.

Chicago’s leaky offensive line had Fields running for his life. The Bears only scored three points off four Minnesota turnovers. Fields had some positive moments, but he lost fumbles on consecutive possessions in the fourth quarter.

The Vikings had scored seven points off one of Fields’ fumbles in the fourth quarter. Fields does deserve credit, though, for leading the Bears on a game-winning field goal drive in the two-minute drill.

However, the ineptitude of both offenses was comical.

Joshua Dobbs in a giving mood: The Vikings quarterback had a forgettable game.

Dobbs tossed four interceptions in the loss. Granted two of his interceptions were a bit unlucky, including one ball that bounced off of Addison's hands.

Dobbs’ four picks were a career-high. Dobbs had been a feel-good story this season in the NFL for his ability to adapt and adjust to new playbooks and environments, but Monday night was a tough game for the journeyman quarterback. — Tyler Dragon

Bears vs. Vikings highlights

Cairo Santos made a 30-yard field goal for Chicago with 10 seconds left, his fourth of the game after a miss on the opening drive, and the Bears had four interceptions of Joshua Dobbs in a defense-dominated victory over the Vikings on Monday night.

Final play of game set to Benny Hill theme song

The Vikings' desperate, last-chance play in Monday night's loss was so comical that ESPN play-by-play broadcaster Joe Buck suggested that it should be set to "The Benny Hill Show" theme song, "Yakety Sax."

Bears 12, Vikings 10: Cairo Santos hits game-winning field goal

It seemed fitting that a field goal decided a game that featured just one touchdown. Cairo Santos connected on a 30-yard field goal attempt with 10 seconds remaining to provide the winning tally for the Bears.

The key play on the 66-yard drive was a 36-yard pass play from Justin Fields to DJ Moore that put the ball well within Santos' range at the Vikings' 13-yard line. Moore had two catches for 52 yards on the 66-yard drive for victory. — Jim Reineking

Justin Fields loses back-to-back fumbles

After being down for the first time in the game, Justin Fields lost his second fumble in as many drives.

On third-and-10 from Chicago’s 36-yard line, the quarterback dropped back then tucked the ball and sprinted forward. He had a clear lane until he reached the 42-yard line where he was met by safety Josh Metellus. The defender popped the ball out of the quarterback’s clutches and it bounced backwards as Fields watched it roll away. Linebacker Anthony Barr fell on it for the Vikings’ second takeaway of the day. — Victoria Hernandez

Vikings 10, Bears 9: Finally, a touchdown!

At last, a touchdown has been scored.

The Vikings scored the game’s first touchdown when Joshua Dobbs passed to an open T.J. Hockenson on a skinny post for a 17-yard touchdown. The touchdown capped off an eight-play, 77-yard drive.

Hockenson’s touchdown, plus the extra point, gave the Vikings a 10-9 advantage with 5:54 remaining in the fourth quarter.

The Vikings tight end has five catches, 50 yards and one touchdown to lead Minnesota. — Tyler Dragon

Justin Fields loses fumble for Bears first turnover of the game

After ball hawking against Joshua Dobbs, the Bears committed their first turnover of the day in the fourth quarter.

On second-and-10 from Minnesota’s 22-yard line, the pocket collapsed around quarterback Justin Fields. He tried to tuck his head and run forward, but Josh Metellus wrapped him up from behind and Danielle Hunter, the team’s sack leader, swiped the ball out of his hands. The ball bounced and defensive lineman Sheldon Day landed on it for Minnesota’s first takeaway.

Fields tapped his chest as he walked off the field to acknowledge his mistake. — Victoria Hernandez

What is lowest-scoring 'Monday Night Football' game ever?

With the Bears leading 9-3 in a field-goal fest against the Vikings, you might be wondering what the lowest-scoring "Monday Night Football" game of all-time might be.

Well, this game isn't even close to the 3-0 final score produced when the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Miami Dolphins on a muddy field on Nov. 26, 2007. — Jim Reineking

Joshua Dobbs intercepted for fourth time

Joshua Dobbs is having a forgettable game.

The Vikings quarterback tossed his fourth interception of the game.

Dobbs had his pass deflected and it was intercepted by Bears CB Kyler Gordon at Minnesota’s 38-yard line.

Dobbs now has a career-high four interceptions in the game. Four different Bears defenders have an interception.

Dobbs is currently 16-of-25 passing for 99 yards. He has no touchdowns and four interceptions. — Tyler Dragon

Bears 9, Vikings 3: Cairo Santos staying busy

It’s not exactly a scoring bonanza, but the Bears are staying on top with their third field goal of the game.

To start the fourth quarter, Cairo Santos nailed a 55-yard field goal to put Chicago up 9-3.

The points are the Bears’ first off of turnovers. They got the ball when linebacker TJ Edwards grabbed their third interception of the game.

The drive started with a 13-yard run from quarterback Justin Fields, but it stalled when Roschon Johnson was stuffed for a loss then Fields threw an incomplete pass. — Victoria Hernandez

Bears holding onto slim lead into fourth quarter

The Bears managed to convert a field goal in the third quarter. Chicago’s field goal served as the only points of the quarter in what is a 6-3 Bears advantage entering the final period.

Chicago’s defense continues to play well. The Bears forced Vikings QB Joshua Dobbs into his third pick of the game in the third quarter. Dobbs has just 88 passing yards and Minnesota only has 132 total yards heading into the final quarter.

Bears QB Justin Fields is doing what he can to keep Chicago out in front. Fields has 155 passing yards and leads the Bears with 44 rushing yards. — Tyler Dragon

Joshua Dobbs throws career-high three interceptions

Minnesota decided to go for another fourth-down conversion in the third quarter and ended up turning the ball over again.

On fourth-and-3 from Chicago’s 44-yard line, Joshua Dobbs tossed the ball toward K.J. Osborn with a throw that would have given them the first down, but Jaylon Johnson tackled the wide receiver before he could secure the ball, sending it flying in the air. Linebacker T.J. Edwards was perfectly in position to snatch it for the Bears’ third interception of the game.

It’s the first-time in Dobbs’ career — college or professional — that he’s thrown three interceptions, per the ESPN broadcast. — Victoria Hernandez

Bears 6, Vikings 3: Chicago retakes lead on Cairo Santos field goal

Neither team has been able to reach the end zone midway through the third quarter, but the Bears did reclaim the lead.

Justin Fields and the Bears took advantage of good field possession and went 34 yards down the field to get into Minnesota territory. Fields’ 10-yard run set up a successful 39-yard field goal by kicker Cairo Santos to give the Bears a 6-3 advantage.

Santos has made two of three field goals in the game.

Fields currently has 141 passing yards and leads Chicago with 31 rushing yards. — Tyler Dragon

Vikings turn ball over on downs after T.J. Hockenson stopped short

The Vikings started the second half by turning the ball over on downs, but not without giving a fight.

On fourth-and-7 from their own 49-yard line, Minnesota lined up in shotgun formation. Joshua Dobbs took the snap, dropped back and threw a laser to his right. He found tight end T.J. Hockenson just short of the down marker. Kyler Gordon was tight on the coverage and tackled Hockenson as he wriggled to try to get the first down, but Gordon forced him out of bounds before he could.

Hockenson got his first three catches of the game on the drive. — Victoria Hernandez

Bears 3, Vikings 3: Vikings tie game before halftime

The Vikings finally got on the board with a 34-yard field goal from Greg Joseph to tie the game at 3-3.

The kick, which sent both teams into the halftime break, concluded a 52-yard drive, Minnesota’s longest of the day.

Chicago has had several opportunities to further their lead against the Vikings.

Joshua Dobbs threw two interceptions and the Bears have punted on both ensuing drives.

He had a chance to make a huge play on their first offensive drive when he lobbed the ball downfield to Jordan Addison at the Vikings’ 12-yard line. The wide receiver wrestled with Eddie Jackson for possession, but referees ruled that the ball hit the ground.

Justin Fields has gone 17-of-22 for 135 yards through the air and added 4 carries for 21 yards on the ground.

The Bears have outperformed the Vikings 158 yards of offense to 76. — Victoria Hernandez

Joshua Dobbs throws second INT of game

The Bears have intercepted Joshua Dobbs on back-to-back possessions.

Dobbs fired a pass over the middle to Jordan Addison. The football bounced off Addison’s hands and floated into the air for Bears safety Jaquan Brisker to intercept at Chicago’s 35-yard line.

Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson intercepted Dobbs on Minnesota’s previous series.

The Bears defense currently has two interceptions in the first half. However, the Bears offense only has three points off two takeaways. — Tyler Dragon

Bears defense gets game’s first takeaway

The Bears defense is off to a good start.

After the Bears defense forced a three-and-out on Minnesota’s opening possession, Chicago intercepted Vikings QB Joshua Dobbs four plays into the team’s second series.

Dobbs was intercepted trying to attempt a pass to wideout Jordan Addison. Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson stepped in front of Dobbs’ pass to take the football away.

The Bears defense has one takeaway and has held the Vikings offense to just three yards into the second quarter. — Tyler Dragon

Bears 3, Vikings 0: Chicago strikes first

Cairo Santos got redemption for his first quarter foible when he made a 25-yard field goal on the first drive of the second quarter.

Justin Fields was responsible for 78 yards of offense to get the Bears down the field, including a 14-yard run and two 20-yard passes that were powered by Roschon Johnson and Cole Kmet. — Victoria Hernandez

Bears, Vikings go scoreless after one quarter

A fast first quarter ended with no points on the scoreboard.

The Bears conducted a promising 14-play opening drive but missed a 48-yard field goal. Minnesota took over possession and went three-and-out.

Chicago ended the quarter in Minnesota territory.

Bears quarterback Justin Fields ended the first quarter a perfect 12-of-12 passing for 100 yards. Chicago has 118 total yards. The Vikings have minus-7. — Tyler Dragon

Vikings go three-and-out after near monster catch from Jordan Addison

The Vikings are off to a slow start on Monday night and went three-and-out on their first offensive drive.

They almost started with huge momentum when Joshua Dobbs lobbed the ball downfield to Jordan Addison at the Vikings’ 12-yard line. The wide receiver was covered by defensive backs Eddie Jackson and Terell Smith. All three fell to the ground as Addison and Jackson wrestled for the football. Addison came up with it, but officials ruled that it hit the ground.

After Ty Chandler was stuffed on a run play, Dobbs was sacked by Montez Sweat and the Vikings were forced to punt. — Victoria Hernandez

Bears' promising opening drive ends with no points

Justin Fields was in a groove during Chicago’s opening possession.

The Bears quarterback did a nice job extending plays with his feet and his mobility gave receivers extra time to get open. Fields went 8-for-8 passing during the Bears’ 14-play, 47-yard drive. However, the drive stalled at Minnesota’s 30-yard line.

To make matters worse, Bears kicker Cairo Santos sailed a 48-yard field goal attempt wide right. — Tyler Dragon

What does 'GSH' stand for on Bears' uniforms?

The "GSH" that is on the shoulder of the Chicago Bears' jerseys stands for George Stanley Halas. It was added to the Bears' jerseys in 1984 after Halas' death in 1983.

Halas, one of the original co-founders of the NFL and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, was a founder, owner, player and head coach for the Bears.

At the meeting during which the NFL was formed in Canton, Ohio, Halas attended while representing the Decatur Staleys, who would become the Chicago Bears.

Halas coached the Bears for 40 seasons, and his 318 regular-season victories (324 total wins, counting playoffs), were a long-standing NFL record until broken by Don Shula in 1994.

Hallas was coach of the Bears for the team's 73-0 win over Washington in the 1940 NFL championship game, the largest blowout in league history. In all, Halas won six NFL championships as Bears head coach. — Jim Reineking

What time is Bears vs. Vikings?

Bears vs. Vikings will kick off at 8:15 p.m. ET on Nov. 27.

How can I watch Bears vs. Vikings?

Bears at Vikings will be broadcast on ABC and ESPN. The game is also available to stream for free on Fubo. Joe Buck and Troy Aikman will provide commentary, while Lisa Salters works the sidelines during the game.

There will be no ManningCast for the Bears-Vikings "Monday Night Football" game.

Vikings wearing throwback uniforms

Never too far afield, the Vikings' alternates provide truly nice subtleties. They reverted to the “Purple People Eaters” days while rocking "The Vikings Classic" this season.

Where do the Vikings' throwbacks rate among every NFL team's alternate looks? USA TODAY Sports' Nate Davis does a deep dive on NFL couture.

➤ PHOTOS: Alternate and throwback uniforms of 2023 NFL season

Bears vs. Vikings: Predictions, picks and odds 

The Vikings are favorites to defeat the Bears, according to BetMGM NFL odds. 

• Spread: Vikings (-3) 
• Moneyline: Vikings (-160); Bears (+135) 
• Over/under: 43.5 

USA TODAY Sports’ staff picks for this game: 

• Tyler Dragon: Vikings 21, Bears 20 —Josh Dobbs has been a remarkable story. He’s salvaged Minnesota’s season. The Vikings still have playoff hopes. The Bears are just playing for pride at this point, and Justin Fields is auditioning to keep his job beyond this season.
• Victoria Hernandez: Vikings 24, Bears 19 — Just because the Vikings lost last week doesn't mean the Joshua Dobbs magic is over. The quarterback's ability to soak up the game is unmatched and his story is an inspiration. The Bears had some shining moments with Justin Fields' return against a tough Lions team last week. But Minnesota is the better team all-around.
• Jordan Mendoza: Vikings 27, Bears 23 ― Chicago let a win slip out of its hands, but it's clear how much better the offense is with Justin Fields. Minnesota fell just short in Denver, but they are still playing good football and are in the playoffs at this moment. Joshua Dobbs has another solid home performance for another “Monday Night Football” win.

Joshua Dobbs, a dual-threat QB

Vikings quarterback Joshua Dobbs has had both a passing touchdown and a rushing touchdown in four straight games, dating back to his time with the Arizona Cardinals. It’s the longest active of such streak in the NFL.

With a passing touchdown and rushing touchdown Monday night, Dobbs will tie Bears quarterback Justin Fields for the most consecutive games (5) with both a passing and rushing TD. Fields achieved the mark in 2022. — Tyler Dragon

T.J. Edwards racking up tackles for hometown team

Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards entered Week 12 with an NFL-best 119 tackles. Edwards has recorded double-digit tackles in seven games this season.

Edwards, who grew up and played high school football right outside of Chicago, signed a three-year deal with the Bears during free agency. — Tyler Dragon

Bears vs. Vikings inactives: D’Onta Foreman is out

Bears running back D'Onta Foreman (ankle/shin) will not play Monday night against the Vikings. He suffered the injury during the Bears' Week 11 loss to the Lions. With Foreman out, Khalil Herbert and rookie Roschon Johnson will get the bulk of the carries out of the backfield.

Bears rookie cornerback Tyrique Stevenson (ankle), who has started each of the team's 11 games this season, is also out. That could mean another rookie, Terell Smith, getting the starting cornerback spot opposite Jaylon Johnson.

Bears inactive players:

• QB Nathan Peterman (third QB)
• DB Quindell Johnson
• LB Noah Sewell
• DL Dominique Robinson
• RB D'Onta Foreman
• DB Tyrique Stevenson
• OL Larry Borom

Vikings inactive players:

• QB Jaren Hall (third QB)
• CB Akayled Evans
• TE Nick Muse
• LB Nick Vigil
• OG Chris Reed
• OT Hakeem Adeniji

Do the Vikings have a chance at the playoffs?

The Vikings are in the thick of the NFC playoff race, and taking care of business at home against the Bears on Monday night could strengthen their wild-card grip and help the team stay viable for the division given two cracks at Detroit are still coming.

➤ Complete AFC and NFC playoff picture

2024 NFL draft first-round order: Bears could get two top-five picks

Here is a look at the order for the top 10 selections in the 2024 NFL draft, if the season ended today …

1. Chicago Bears (from Panthers) — Carolina Panthers' record: 1-10 (strength of schedule: .537)
2. Arizona Cardinals — Record: 2-10 (.533)
3. New England Patriots — Record: 2-9 (.544)
4. Chicago Bears — Record: 3-8 (.455)
5. Washington Commanders — Record: 4-8 (.458)
6. New York Giants — Record: 4-8 (.574)
7. Tennessee Titans — Record: 4-7 (.500)
8. New York Jets — Record: 4-7 (.536)
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Record: 4-7 (.549)
10. Los Angeles Chargers — Record: 4-7 (.553)

➤ Complete first-round order through Week 12 games

NFL Week 12 winners and losers

While the Pittsburgh Steelers finally showed some life on offense, the top quarterback prospects in the 2024 NFL draft class might want to reconsider if they would want to be selected by the New England Patriots.

Here is USA TODAY Sports' Lorenzo Reyes' full rundown of the biggest winners and losers from Week 12.

32 things we learned in NFL Week 12

Get ready for a wild sprint over the final six weeks of the regular season – 14 playoff spots, including two first-round byes, on the line.

What else did USA TODAY Sports' Nate Davis learn during Week 12?

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• Week 12 breakdown: Brace yourself for a wild end to the season

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