MINNEAPOLIS — Teddy Bridgewater doubled his career high for touchdown passes in a game. Minnesota's defense, still missing three key players to injuries, relentlessly pressured Jay Cutler and kept Chicago's skill-position players in check.
The Vikings appeared prepared for the postseason. The Bears looked ready for an offseason.
Bridgewater threw four touchdown passes and ran for a score, and the Vikings took a big step toward the playoffs with a 38-17 victory Sunday over the Bears.
"This is the time of year when teams become great," coach Mike Zimmer said.
Quarterbacks, too. Bridgewater completed 17 of 20 passes for 231 yards without a turnover, connecting twice with Stefon Diggs for scores.