Chicago Bears vs Minnesota Vikings Match Player Stats | Complete Week 15 Analysis
The Chicago Bears vs Minnesota Vikings match player stats reveal how the Vikings dominated in their 30-12 victory at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 16, 2024. This Week 15 Monday Night Football clash showcased why situational football matters more than raw yardage totals.
The Tale of the Tape: Key Team Statistics
The Vikings’ seventh consecutive victory propelled them into a tie for the NFC North lead with playoff implications mounting:
Team Comparison:
- Final Score: Bears 12 – Vikings 30
- Total Yards: Bears 284 – Vikings 329
- Passing Yards: Bears 171 – Vikings 215
- Rushing Yards: Bears 113 – Vikings 114
- Time of Possession: Bears 30:06 – Vikings 29:54
- Third Down Efficiency: Bears 1/12 (8.3%) – Vikings 7/14 (50.0%)
- Red Zone TDs/Attempts: Bears 1/3 – Vikings 3/4
- Penalties: Bears 9 for 93 yards – Vikings 10 for 56 yards
- Turnovers: Bears 1 – Vikings 1
The game’s statistical narrative hinged on third-down efficiency—the Vikings converted at a championship-level rate while the Bears’ offense repeatedly stalled.
Chicago Bears Individual Player Performances
Caleb Williams’ Developmental Journey Continues
The rookie quarterback showed both promise and growing pains:
- Passing: 18/31 completions (58.1%) for 191 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT
- Passer Rating: 86.9
- Under Pressure: 6/10 for 92 yards and 1 TD (60% completion rate)
- Rushing: 4 carries for 3 yards
Williams’ season-long interception avoidance reached historic levels—setting both franchise and NFL rookie records with 286 consecutive passes without an interception across 8 games. However, his completion percentage dipped below his season average of 62.5%, suggesting difficulty attacking downfield against Minnesota’s secondary.
Bears’ Ground Attack Lacked Finishing Power
The running game produced decent yardage but failed in critical situations:
- D’Andre Swift: 19 carries for 79 yards (4.2 avg)
- DJ Moore: 3 carries for 24 yards (8.0 avg)
- Travis Homer: 3 carries for 7 yards (2.3 avg)
- Caleb Williams: 4 carries for 3 yards (0.8 avg)
Swift’s inability to convert two crucial fourth-and-1 attempts highlighted concerns about Chicago’s short-yardage execution and run blocking effectiveness in high-leverage situations.
Receiving Corps: Mixed Results
Keenan Allen provided the primary offensive spark:
- 6 receptions on 13 targets
- 82 yards
- Bears’ lone touchdown
The remaining passing attack showed efficiency but lacked explosive plays:
- DJ Moore: 8 receptions on 8 targets for 46 yards (perfect catch rate but only 5.8 yards per reception)
- Rome Odunze: 2 receptions on 7 targets for 39 yards (lowest catch rate among receivers)
- Cole Kmet: 1 reception on 1 target for 14 yards
- D’Andre Swift: 1 reception for 10 yards
- Tyler Scott: 1 reception on 1 target for 5 yards
DJ Moore’s yards per route run of 1.0 fell significantly below his season average of 1.64, suggesting the Vikings’ defense limited his impact by keeping him contained to shorter routes.
Bears’ Defensive Bright Spots
Despite the loss, several defenders made impact plays:
- T.J. Edwards: 1 sack
- Dallas Turner/Dominique Robinson: 1 sack (sources vary on credit)
- Tyrique Stevenson: 1 interception of Sam Darnold
- Dominique Robinson: 1 blocked punt in the fourth quarter that led to Chicago’s only touchdown
Minnesota Vikings Player Performances
Sam Darnold: Managing the Offense Effectively
- Passing: 24/40 completions (60%) for 231 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
- Passer Rating: 74.1
- Under Pressure: 6/10 for 92 yards and 1 TD (60% completion rate)
While not spectacular, Darnold’s performance kept the chains moving on critical third downs and managed the game effectively. His yards per attempt were slightly below his season average, but Minnesota’s balanced approach didn’t require him to force throws.
Vikings’ Two-Headed Ground Attack
The rushing attack delivered when it mattered most:
- Aaron Jones: 18 carries for 86 yards and 1 touchdown (his 50th career NFL touchdown)
- Cam Akers: 10 carries for 24 yards and 1 touchdown
- Ty Chandler: 1 carry for 4 yards
Jones’ milestone touchdown highlighted Minnesota’s emphasis on establishing the run, while both backs finding the end zone demonstrated superior red zone execution compared to Chicago.
Vikings’ Receiving Corps: Balanced Distribution
Justin Jefferson remained the focal point despite tight coverage:
- 7 receptions on 13 targets
- 73 yards
- 1 touchdown
- 1.49 yards per route run (below his season average of 2.69)
The Vikings effectively distributed the ball across multiple targets:
- Jordan Addison: 7 receptions on 9 targets for 63 yards (77.8% catch rate)
- T.J. Hockenson: 5 receptions on 6 targets for 52 yards (83.3% catch rate)
- Aaron Jones: 2 receptions on 3 targets for 20 yards
- B. Powell: 1 reception for 12 yards
- T. Sherfield: 1 reception on 1 target for 6 yards
- J. Nailor: 1 reception for 5 yards
This multi-faceted attack made it difficult for the Bears’ defense to key on any single receiver, with eight different players recording receptions.
Vikings’ Defensive Dominance
The defensive unit’s standout performances:
- Jonathan Greenard: 1 sack, 1 strip-sack, team-leading 7 QB pressures
- Jerry Tillery: 1 sack
- Josh Metellus: Highest defensive PFF grade (82.8)
- Blake Cashman: Critical fumble recovery
- Defense as a whole: Two critical fourth-down stops against Chicago’s rushing attack
Greenard’s strip-sack on Williams was particularly impactful, directly leading to an early Vikings score and setting the tone for Minnesota’s defensive performance.
Critical Game-Changing Moments
1. Greenard’s First Quarter Strip-Sack
Jonathan Greenard’s strip-sack on Chicago’s opening drive was recovered by Blake Cashman, giving Minnesota excellent field position. This momentum-shifting play led to an early field goal and set the defensive tone.
2. Bears’ Failed Fourth Down at Their Own 39
Chicago’s aggressive decision to go for it on fourth down in their own territory backfired when D’Andre Swift was stopped short. The Vikings capitalized with a touchdown drive, quickly building a two-score lead.
3. Third Down Disparity
The most decisive statistical trend was Minnesota’s ability to convert 50% of third downs compared to Chicago’s 8.3%. This dramatic difference allowed the Vikings to sustain drives and control game tempo throughout all four quarters.
4. Aaron Jones’ Third Quarter Touchdown
Jones’ one-yard rushing touchdown capped a methodical 72-yard drive midway through the third quarter, pushing the Vikings’ lead to 20-3 and demonstrating their offensive control.
5. Dominique Robinson’s Blocked Punt
The Bears’ special teams provided a brief spark when Robinson blocked a Vikings punt in the fourth quarter, setting up their only touchdown—Williams to Allen—but it came too late to change the game’s outcome.
Advanced Analytics: What PFF Grades Revealed
Pro Football Focus grades provided additional context to individual performances:
Top-Graded Vikings Players:
- Josh Metellus (S): 82.8 (led team in tackles)
- Josh Oliver (TE): 81.0 (exceptional run blocking)
- Dalton Risner (RG): 81.1 (stellar pass protection)
- Johnny Mundt (TE): 80.2 (valuable run blocking)
- Jalen Redmond (DL): 79.2 (disruptive interior presence)
- T.J. Hockenson (TE): 79.2 (clutch third-down conversions)
- Aaron Jones (RB): 77.2 (all-around contribution)
These grades highlight Minnesota’s dominance in the trenches, with three tight ends receiving high marks primarily for blocking contributions—a key factor in their red zone success and third-down efficiency.
- Also Read: 49ers vs Kansas City Chiefs Match Player Stats.
Why The Stats Mattered: Breaking Down the Vikings’ Victory
Looking beyond raw yardage totals, the Chicago Bears vs Minnesota Vikings match player stats reveal three critical factors that decided the outcome:
- Third Down Efficiency: Minnesota’s 50% conversion rate allowed them to sustain drives and control the clock, while Chicago’s 8.3% rate meant frequent punts and limited scoring opportunities.
- Red Zone Execution: The Vikings scored touchdowns on 75% of red zone trips compared to the Bears’ 33.3%—transforming similar drive opportunities into vastly different point totals.
- Situational Pressure: Jonathan Greenard’s strip-sack and consistent pressure (7 QB hurries) forced Chicago into uncomfortable situations throughout the game.
Historical Context: How These Performances Compare
- Caleb Williams’ 286 consecutive passes without an interception set a new NFL rookie record and Bears franchise record
- Aaron Jones scored his 50th career NFL touchdown, a significant career milestone
- The Vikings’ seventh consecutive victory propelled them to a 12-2 record, their best 14-game start since the 2017 season
- The Bears’ third-down conversion rate (8.3%) represented their worst performance in that category all season
What This Means For Both Teams Going Forward
For the Vikings (12-2):
- Their balanced offensive attack makes them legitimate Super Bowl contenders
- Jonathan Greenard has emerged as a defensive difference-maker
- Their red zone efficiency (75%) ranks among the NFL’s elite
- Minnesota’s third-down conversion rate demonstrates championship-level execution
For the Bears:
- Caleb Williams continues to protect the football but needs to improve completion percentage
- The offense requires better situational execution, particularly on third downs
- D’Andre Swift’s short-yardage struggles highlight potential offensive line concerns
- Despite the loss, Robinson’s blocked punt showed resilience and special teams potential
FAQs About Chicago Bears vs Minnesota Vikings Match Player Stats
Who led the game in rushing yards during the Bears-Vikings matchup?
Aaron Jones led all rushers with 86 yards and a touchdown for the Vikings, while D’Andre Swift led the Bears with 79 yards on 19 carries.
Did Caleb Williams maintain his interception-free streak against the Vikings?
Yes, Williams extended his NFL rookie record to 286 consecutive passes without an interception, spanning 8 games—an impressive achievement despite the loss.
Which receiver had the most targets in the Monday Night Football game?
Justin Jefferson and Keenan Allen tied for the most targets, with 13 each. Jefferson caught 7 passes for 73 yards and a touchdown, while Allen caught 6 for 82 yards and a touchdown.
What was the most significant statistical difference between the teams?
Third-down efficiency was the decisive factor—the Vikings converted 50% (7/14) while the Bears managed just 8.3% (1/12), severely limiting Chicago’s ability to sustain drives.
Which defensive player had the biggest impact on the game?
Jonathan Greenard of the Vikings created the most impactful defensive play with his strip-sack of Williams on Chicago’s opening drive, while also leading Minnesota with 7 quarterback pressures.
How did this performance affect the Vikings’ standing in the NFC North?
The victory improved the Vikings to 12-2, putting them in a tie for the NFC North lead and strengthening their playoff positioning with three games remaining.
The Final Analysis: Why Stats Tell The Story
The Chicago Bears vs Minnesota Vikings match player stats illustrate how football games are decided not by total yardage but by execution in critical situations.
Minnesota’s dominance on third downs, superior red zone efficiency, and impact defensive plays created a comfortable 30-12 victory despite relatively even yardage totals. For the Bears, Williams’ ball security remains promising, but Chicago’s inability to convert on third downs and in the red zone ultimately prevented them from keeping pace with a Vikings team clearly hitting their stride at the perfect time in the playoff race.
As these NFC North rivals move forward, the statistical disparities in this matchup provide clear blueprints for both teams—Minnesota’s balanced attack and situational excellence represent their path to postseason success, while Chicago’s developmental focus must center on improving their execution in high-leverage situations.
