Vikings win 7th straight to forge tie for NFC North lead with 30-12 blowout of reeling Bears
Associated PressMINNEAPOLIS — Their spot in the playoffs secure, the Minnesota Vikings delivered a prime-time performance seeped in those ingredients that frequently fuel postseason success. “We’re going to have to play well and continue to improve, chasing our best football.” Justin Jefferson had seven catches for 73 yards, among them a touchdown from Sam Darnold in the first quarter that was set up by Jonathan Greenard’s sack and forced fumble on Caleb Williams. Every game we’re expecting the offense to be the best on that field.” The Bears put plenty of heat on Darnold, who went 24 for 40 for 231 yards and threw his first interception in five games on a fourth-and-3 throw three plays after Jefferson dropped what would’ve been a 30-yard touchdown pass. “Seeing the amount of effort he’s doing after the first contact is what’s crazy to me, fighting for those extra yards and getting those first downs,” Jefferson said. “Having a back like that is tremendous.” Wearing white helmets for the first time in franchise history to top the snow-like jerseys and pants in their now-annual winter-themed home game — comfortably staged indoors — the Vikings had an energized crowd behind them after former wide receivers Cris Carter and Jake Reed took a Randy Moss jersey to midfield for the coin flip in honor of their ex-teammate, who is being treated for cancer.