The Week 12 Monday Night Football clash between the Chicago Bears and the Minnesota Vikings was a pivotal NFC North showdown with major playoff implications. This game was a tale of explosive plays, critical turnovers, and standout individual performances that ultimately saw the Vikings secure a 22-12 victory. For fans and analysts digging beyond the final score, the individual player statistics reveal the decisive battles that shaped this divisional rivalry game.
Offensive Player Stats and Standouts
The offensive numbers highlight a game where big plays and red zone efficiency made the definitive difference. While the Bears moved the ball at times, the Vikings’ stars delivered when it mattered most.
Minnesota Vikings Key Offensive Performers
The Vikings’ offense was fueled by precision passing and reliable targets, overcoming a shaky run game.
- QB Josh Dobbs: The veteran was efficient and effective, completing 22 of 32 passes for 217 yards and 2 touchdowns. His passer rating of 108.5 reflects a clean, managed game without turnovers, which was crucial.
- TE T.J. Hockenson: He was Dobbs’ primary weapon, dominating the middle of the field. Hockenson hauled in 9 receptions for 88 yards, consistently moving the chains and creating matchup nightmares.
- WR Jordan Addison: Provided the explosive touchdown play, finishing with 4 catches for 46 yards and a key 20-yard touchdown reception.
- Rushing Attack: The Vikings’ run game was stifled, managing only 73 total yards. Alexander Mattison led with 52 yards on 18 carries, but the unit averaged a mere 2.9 yards per carry.
Chicago Bears Key Offensive Performers
The Bears’ offense showed flashes but was plagued by an inability to finish drives in the end zone.
- QB Justin Fields: Fields’ performance was a mix of dynamic playmaking and critical mistakes. He passed for 217 yards but threw 2 costly interceptions, including one in the red zone. He added 59 rushing yards, leading the team on the ground.
- WR DJ Moore: The Bears’ top receiver was largely held in check by the Vikings’ secondary, limited to 4 receptions for 51 yards.
- Rushing Attack: Outside of Fields’ scrambles, the Bears’ running backs found little room. The team totaled 111 rushing yards, but much of that came from the quarterback.
Defensive and Special Teams Player Stats
The defensive statistics underscore why the Vikings controlled the game, with their unit generating pressure and takeaways at decisive moments.
Minnesota Vikings Defensive Standouts
The Vikings’ defense executed a winning formula: pressure the quarterback and take the ball away.
- S Josh Metellus: He was a playmaking force, recording a team-high 8 tackles, 1 sack, and a critical interception of Justin Fields.
- LB Ivan Pace Jr.: The rookie was everywhere, contributing 7 tackles and a key sack on a crucial third down.
- The Unit Overall: The Vikings’ defense tallied 4 sacks and 2 interceptions, consistently disrupting the Bears’ offensive rhythm and ending promising drives.
Chicago Bears Defensive Standouts
The Bears’ defense played respectably but couldn’t compensate for the offensive turnovers.
- LB T.J. Edwards: He was a tackling machine, posting a game-high 13 total tackles.
- CB Jaylon Johnson: Made a stellar play, returning an interception 40 yards for the Bears’ only touchdown.
- Pass Rush: The Bears managed 2 sacks (one by DeMarcus Walker and one by Yannick Ngakoue) but couldn’t sustain consistent pressure on Josh Dobbs.
Key Special Teams Stats
- Vikings K Greg Joseph: Was perfect on the night, connecting on all 3 field goal attempts (from 48, 33, and 26 yards) and his only extra point.
- Bears K Cairo Santos: Made 2 field goals but missed a 48-yard attempt in the first half, leaving potential points off the board.
Statistical Analysis: What the Numbers Tell Us
The player stats from this matchup reveal a clear narrative:
| Statistical Category | Chicago Bears | Minnesota Vikings | Why It Mattered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turnovers | 2 (INT) | 0 | The Vikings’ clean game vs. Fields’ two interceptions was the single largest factor in the outcome. |
| Red Zone Efficiency | 0/2 (0%) | 2/3 (67%) | The Bears failed to score touchdowns in scoring position; the Vikings capitalized. |
| Sacks Allowed | 4 | 2 | The Vikings’ pressure led to rushed throws and mistakes from Fields. |
| Third Down Conversions | 4/13 (31%) | 7/15 (47%) | Minnesota’s ability to extend drives kept Chicago’s offense off the field. |
- The Turnover Battle Was Decisive: The Vikings won the game by winning the turnover margin +2. Josh Metellus’s interception, in particular, snuffed out a promising Bears drive. The Bears’ defense scoring a touchdown wasn’t enough to offset the offensive giveaways.
- Vikings’ Offensive Balance Through the Air: Without a run game, the Vikings relied on Josh Dobbs’ efficiency and his connection with T.J. Hockenson. Hockenson’s 9 catches were a game-high and exemplified a “move-the-chains” approach that contrasted with Chicago’s sporadic offense.
- Bears’ Missed Opportunities: Justin Fields’ red-zone interception and Cairo Santos’ missed field goal represent a potential 6-10 point swing in a game lost by 10 points. The individual stats show a Bears team that moved the ball but failed at the most critical junctures.
Conclusion:
The individual player statistics from the Bears-Vikings Week 12 matchup highlight a contest defined by quarterback play and defensive takeaways. Josh Dobbs’ efficient, mistake-free performance outshone Justin Fields’ more volatile outing, while the Vikings’ defense made the impactful plays that their Bears counterparts could not match. This statistical breakdown confirms that in a tight divisional game, the team that protects the ball and converts its chances in the red zone will almost always emerge victorious.