Jalen Nailor #83 of the Minnesota Vikings scores a touchdown against Jaylon Johnson #1 of the Chicago Bears during the second quarter at Soldier Field on November 24, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. ((Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images))
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – They had to go to overtime to get there, but the Minnesota Vikings are 9-2 after a 30-27 victory over the Chicago Bears on Sunday at Soldier Field.
The Vikings have won four straight, wiped out three straight road games and are now 2-1 in the NFC North Division. They led 27-16 with 1:56 left before the Bears scored 11 straight points to force overtime.
The Vikings got a defensive stop before Sam Darnold drove them down the field for Parker Romo to make a game-winning 29-yard field goal.
How they got there
Caleb Williams hit DJ Moore for a short touchdown to bring the Bears within 27-24 after a two-point conversion. An ensuing onside kick bounced off Johnny Mundt’s foot, and the Bears scored a field goal as time expired to force overtime.
A key sequence
Kennan Allen thought he had a 34-yard reception for a third-down conversion in the second quarter. Kevin O’Connell challenged it and an exam showed Allen’s left toe was out of bounds. On the next play, Jerry Tillery blocked a Cairo Santos field goal.
The Vikings took full advantage of that momentum, with Sam Darnold hitting Jalen Nailor for a 4-yard touchdown and a 14-7 lead with less than seven minutes left in the first half.
Officials miss 2 blatant penalties
NFL officials continue to miss egregious penalties that would impact the Vikings. On Sunday, Harrison Phillips was held up in the end zone for what should have been a safety, but there was no flag. CJ Ham got a phantom penalty for a back block on a punt return, and on that return, Brandon Powell was two steps out of bounds before taking a big hit. The only flag on the coin was Ham’s.
Sam Darnold sets new career high in TDs
Sam Darnold threw two touchdown passes in the first half on Sunday, to Jordan Addison and Jalen Nailor. He set a new career high with 21 touchdowns this season, in over 10 games. His previous high was 19 in 2019. Darnold finished 22 of 34 for 330 yards, didn’t turn the ball over and led the game-winning drive.
Career day for Jordan Addison
Three were released. Jordan Addison had eight catches for a career-high single game 162 yards and a touchdown on Sunday, while the Bears covered Justin Jefferson for most of the day.
Vikings turn muffled punt into 6
DeAndre Carter gave the signal to his punt-returning teammates to move away from the football. He then touched his right leg and Bo Richter recovered the muffled punt. Aaron Jones scored from two yards out, his first rushing touchdown in a month, to give the Vikings a 24-10 lead late in the third quarter.
Ivan Pace Jr. and Cam Robinson leave injured
The Vikings lost Ivan Pace Jr. and Cam Robinson to injuries in the first half. Pace left the game with a hamstring injury and did not return. Robinson injured his toe and did not return.
