The Vikings have entered prove-it territory.
Minnesota looked out of playoff contention heading into its bye week. A loss to the then-winless Falcons will do that. But now, the Vikings have consecutive wins over the Packers and Lions, en route to a manageable 3-5 record.
The team can make it 4-5 against Chicago on Monday at Soldier Field. Both teams should be pretty desperate for a win. For the Vikings, a win puts them back in the playoff hunt. For the Bears, a win ends a three-game losing skid and puts them at a 6-4 record.
It should be a good matchup. Here are the staff picks: