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NFL · Week 8 · November 1, 2015 · 12 min read

Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears: 2015 Week 8 Recap

Vikings defeat Bears 23–20 in Week 8

A.Jeffery led Fantasy Impact as Vikings prevailed in a 23–20 Week 8 finish.

Minnesota Vikings 23 5–2 Winner
Final 23–20
Chicago Bears 20 2–5
Winner
Minnesota Vikings
Final score
23–20
Halftime
Tied 10–10 at halftime
Top passer
J. Cutler
FantasyHQ MVP
A.Jeffery
Game date
November 1, 2015

Top fantasy performers · Vikings

  • Teddy Bridgewater
    Teddy Bridgewater 17/34 · 201 YDS · 1 TD +3.6 Fantasy Impact
  • K.Rudolph 2 REC · 22 YDS +2.1 Fantasy Impact
  • Cornelius Johnson
    Cornelius Johnson 1 REC · 35 YDS +2.1 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Bears

  • A.Jeffery 10 REC · 116 YDS · 1 TD +7.8 Fantasy Impact
  • J.Cutler 22/36 · 212 YDS · 2 TD +5.6 Fantasy Impact
  • M.Mariani 1 REC · 19 YDS +2.0 Fantasy Impact
View Vikings vs Bears box score View all 2015 NFL game recaps

Quick answer

Winner
Minnesota Vikings
Final score
Minnesota Vikings 23–20 Chicago Bears
Halftime
Tied 10–10 at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP
A. Jeffery
Top passer
J. Cutler
Biggest EPA play
(3:53) (Punt formation) 16-P.O'Donnell punts 45 yards to MIN 35, Center-43-T.Gafford. 35-M…
Game date
2015-11-01

Game summary

The Minnesota Vikings beat the Chicago Bears 23–20 on 2015-11-01. A. Jeffery posted a game-high +7.81 total EPA in the receiving.

The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 20 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q3Q4—T
Minnesota Vikings73013023
Chicago Bears3737020

Scoring Map

Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.

MINMinnesota Vikings
CHIChicago Bears

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

13 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

  1. CHIChicago Bears
    Q1 11:03FG
    RGR. Gould

    Points+3

    Yard line
    MIN 36
    Score
    0-3

    (11:03) (Field Goal formation) 9-R.Gould 55 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-43-T.Gafford, Holder-16-P.O'Donnell.

  2. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q1 3:53TD
    MSM. Sherels

    Points+6

    Yard line
    MIN 80
    Score
    6-3

    (3:53) (Punt formation) 16-P.O'Donnell punts 45 yards to MIN 35, Center-43-T.Gafford. 35-M.Sherels for 65 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  3. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q1 3:37XP
    BWB. Walsh

    Points+1

    Yard line
    CHI 15
    Score
    7-3

    3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke.

  4. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q2 9:11FG
    BWB. Walsh

    Points+3

    Yard line
    CHI 25
    Score
    10-3

    (9:11) (Field Goal formation) 3-B.Walsh 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke.

  5. CHIChicago Bears
    Q2 0:49TD
    AJA. Jeffery

    Points+6

    Yard line
    MIN 21
    Score
    10-9

    (:49) (Shotgun) 6-J.Cutler pass deep left to 17-A.Jeffery for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  6. CHIChicago Bears
    Q2 0:42XP
    RGR. Gould

    Points+1

    Yard line
    MIN 15
    Score
    10-10

    9-R.Gould extra point is GOOD, Center-43-T.Gafford, Holder-16-P.O'Donnell.

  7. CHIChicago Bears
    Q3 8:33FG
    RGR. Gould

    Points+3

    Yard line
    MIN 15
    Score
    10-13

    (8:33) (Field Goal formation) 9-R.Gould 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-43-T.Gafford, Holder-16-P.O'Donnell.

  8. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q4 13:34FG
    BWB. Walsh

    Points+3

    Yard line
    CHI 30
    Score
    13-13

    (13:34) (Field Goal formation) 3-B.Walsh 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke.

  9. CHIChicago Bears
    Q4 5:00TD
    JCJ. Cutler

    Points+6

    Yard line
    MIN 4
    Score
    13-19

    (5:00) (Shotgun) 6-J.Cutler scrambles right end for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the runner broke the plane ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field stands.

  10. CHIChicago Bears
    Q4 4:55XP
    RGR. Gould

    Points+1

    Yard line
    MIN 15
    Score
    13-20

    9-R.Gould extra point is GOOD, Center-43-T.Gafford, Holder-16-P.O'Donnell.

  11. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q4 2:00TD
    Stefon Diggs

    Points+6

    Yard line
    CHI 40
    Score
    19-20

    (2:00) (Shotgun) 5-T.Bridgewater pass short left to 14-S.Diggs for 40 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  12. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q4 1:49XP
    BWB. Walsh

    Points+1

    Yard line
    CHI 15
    Score
    20-20

    3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke.

  13. MINMinnesota Vikings
    Q4 0:04FG
    BWB. Walsh

    Points+3

    Yard line
    CHI 18
    Score
    23-20

    (:04) (Field Goal formation) 3-B.Walsh 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

  1. 1A. Jeffery · Chicago Bears · Receiving · +7.81 total EPA · 15 snaps · +0.52 EPA/play
  2. 2J. Cutler · Chicago Bears · Passing · +5.61 total EPA · 36 snaps · +0.16 EPA/play
  3. 3Teddy BridgewaterTeddy Bridgewater · Minnesota Vikings · Passing · +3.62 total EPA · 34 snaps · +0.11 EPA/play
  4. 4K. Rudolph · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +2.10 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.05 EPA/play
  5. 5Cornelius JohnsonCornelius Johnson · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +2.09 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.09 EPA/play
  6. 6M. Mariani · Chicago Bears · Receiving · +1.98 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.99 EPA/play
  7. 7Stefon DiggsStefon Diggs · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +1.67 total EPA · 12 snaps · +0.14 EPA/play
  8. 8Marco WilsonMarco Wilson · Chicago Bears · Receiving · +1.02 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.34 EPA/play

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.

FantasyHQ Game MVP

A. Jeffery — CHI · Receiving

A. Jeffery posted the highest total EPA (+7.81) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Chicago Bears. Across 15 counted snaps, they averaged +0.52 EPA per play.

A. Jeffery's top snap (+3.04 EPA): (:49) (Shotgun) 6-J.Cutler pass deep left to 17-A.Jeffery for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Biggest single play (-5.29 EPA): Pat O'Donnell — (3:53) (Punt formation) 16-P.O'Donnell punts 45 yards to MIN 35, Center-43-T.Gafford. 35-M.Sherels for 65 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Quarterback report card

J. Cutler led all passers in efficiency for Chicago Bears, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

  • J. Cutler (Chicago Bears) · 36 dropbacks · 61.1% completion · +6.4% CPOE · +0.16 EPA/play · +5.61 total EPA
  • Teddy BridgewaterTeddy Bridgewater (Minnesota Vikings) · 34 dropbacks · 50.0% completion · -1.5% CPOE · +0.11 EPA/play · +3.62 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.

StatMinnesota VikingsChicago Bears
Offensive EPA/play+0.018-0.052
Offensive success rate42.1%39.5%
Pass EPA/play+0.107+0.156
Rush EPA/play-0.055-0.133
Defensive EPA/play+0.052-0.018
Defensive success rate60.5%57.9%

Drive & efficiency notes

Despite the final score, Minnesota Vikings generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.02 vs -0.05), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

  • Minnesota Vikings: +0.02 EPA/play (60th percentile vs. 2015 team-game averages)
  • Chicago Bears: -0.05 EPA/play (40th percentile vs. 2015 team-game averages)
  • Chicago Bears: 11 drives, -3.95 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
  • Minnesota Vikings: 11 drives, +1.37 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

  • Minnesota Vikings — M. Sherels (Q1 3:53)
  • Chicago Bears — A. Jeffery (J. Cutler pass) (Q2 0:49)
  • Chicago Bears — J. Cutler (Q4 5:00)
  • Stefon DiggsMinnesota Vikings — Stefon Diggs (Teddy Bridgewater pass) (Q4 2:00)

Field goals

  • Chicago Bears — R. Gould (Q1 11:03)
  • Minnesota Vikings — B. Walsh (Q2 9:11)
  • Chicago Bears — R. Gould (Q3 8:33)
  • Minnesota Vikings — B. Walsh (Q4 13:34)
  • Minnesota Vikings — B. Walsh (Q4 0:04)
Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 7–3. Chicago Bears connected on a field goal from the MIN 36 (Q1 11:03) — (11:03) (Field Goal formation) 9-R.Gould 55 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-43-T.Gafford, Holder-16-P.O'Donnell.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the MIN 80 (Q1 3:53) — (3:53) (Punt formation) 16-P.O'Donnell punts 45 yards to MIN 35, Center-43-T.Gafford. 35-M.Sherels for 65 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the CHI 15 (Q1 3:37) — 3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke..

The second quarter: Chicago Bears won the period 7–3. Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the CHI 25 (Q2 9:11) — (9:11) (Field Goal formation) 3-B.Walsh 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke.; Chicago Bears found the end zone from the MIN 21 (Q2 0:49) — (:49) (Shotgun) 6-J.Cutler pass deep left to 17-A.Jeffery for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Chicago Bears added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q2 0:42) — 9-R.Gould extra point is GOOD, Center-43-T.Gafford, Holder-16-P.O'Donnell..

The third quarter: Chicago Bears won the period 3–0. Chicago Bears connected on a field goal from the MIN 15 (Q3 8:33) — (8:33) (Field Goal formation) 9-R.Gould 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-43-T.Gafford, Holder-16-P.O'Donnell..

The fourth quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 13–7. Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the CHI 30 (Q4 13:34) — (13:34) (Field Goal formation) 3-B.Walsh 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke.; Chicago Bears found the end zone from the MIN 4 (Q4 5:00); Chicago Bears added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q4 4:55) — 9-R.Gould extra point is GOOD, Center-43-T.Gafford, Holder-16-P.O'Donnell.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the CHI 40 (Q4 2:00) — (2:00) (Shotgun) 5-T.Bridgewater pass short left to 14-S.Diggs for 40 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the CHI 15 (Q4 1:49) — 3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke.; Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the CHI 18 (Q4 0:04) — (:04) (Field Goal formation) 3-B.Walsh 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most.

  • Chicago Bears (Q1 3:53) — (3:53) (Punt formation) 16-P.O'Donnell punts 45 yards to MIN 35, Center-43-T.Gafford. 35-M.Sherels for 65 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA -19.7% · EPA -5.29]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q4 0:36) — (:36) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 5-T.Bridgewater pass deep right to 12-C.Johnson to CHI 27 for 35 yards (21-T.Porter). [WPA +18.5% · EPA +2.09]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q4 0:04) — (:04) (Field Goal formation) 3-B.Walsh 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke. [WPA +18.3% · EPA +0.29]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q4 2:00) — (2:00) (Shotgun) 5-T.Bridgewater pass short left to 14-S.Diggs for 40 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +17.0% · EPA +4.93]
  • Chicago Bears (Q4 1:10) — (1:10) (Punt formation) 16-P.O'Donnell punts 53 yards to MIN 22, Center-43-T.Gafford. 35-M.Sherels pushed ob at MIN 34 for 12 yards (52-L.Reynolds). [WPA -13.4% · EPA -0.69]
Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

  • Chicago Bears (Q1 3:53) — (3:53) (Punt formation) 16-P.O'Donnell punts 45 yards to MIN 35, Center-43-T.Gafford. 35-M.Sherels for 65 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA -19.7% · EPA -5.29]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q4 2:00) — (2:00) (Shotgun) 5-T.Bridgewater pass short left to 14-S.Diggs for 40 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +17.0% · EPA +4.93]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q2 1:13) — (1:13) (Shotgun) 5-T.Bridgewater pass deep left intended for 14-S.Diggs INTERCEPTED by 23-K.Fuller at MIN 49. 23-K.Fuller to MIN 34 for 15 yards (11-M.Wallace). [WPA -11.0% · EPA -3.48]
  • Chicago Bears (Q3 1:57) — (1:57) (Field Goal formation) 9-R.Gould 51 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Left, Center-43-T.Gafford, Holder-16-P.O'Donnell. [WPA -8.8% · EPA -3.16]
Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

  1. Chicago Bears FG (+3) — Q1 11:03 · MIN 36 · Score 0-3
    (11:03) (Field Goal formation) 9-R.Gould 55 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-43-T.Gafford, Holder-16-P.O'Donnell.
  2. Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q1 3:53 · MIN 80 · Score 6-3
    (3:53) (Punt formation) 16-P.O'Donnell punts 45 yards to MIN 35, Center-43-T.Gafford. 35-M.Sherels for 65 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  3. Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q1 3:37 · CHI 15 · Score 7-3
    3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke.
  4. Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q2 9:11 · CHI 25 · Score 10-3
    (9:11) (Field Goal formation) 3-B.Walsh 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke.
  5. Chicago Bears TD (+6) — Q2 0:49 · MIN 21 · Score 10-9
    (:49) (Shotgun) 6-J.Cutler pass deep left to 17-A.Jeffery for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  6. Chicago Bears XP (+1) — Q2 0:42 · MIN 15 · Score 10-10
    9-R.Gould extra point is GOOD, Center-43-T.Gafford, Holder-16-P.O'Donnell.
  7. Chicago Bears FG (+3) — Q3 8:33 · MIN 15 · Score 10-13
    (8:33) (Field Goal formation) 9-R.Gould 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-43-T.Gafford, Holder-16-P.O'Donnell.
  8. Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q4 13:34 · CHI 30 · Score 13-13
    (13:34) (Field Goal formation) 3-B.Walsh 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke.
  9. Chicago Bears TD (+6) — Q4 5:00 · MIN 4 · Score 13-19
    (5:00) (Shotgun) 6-J.Cutler scrambles right end for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the runner broke the plane ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field stands.
  10. Chicago Bears XP (+1) — Q4 4:55 · MIN 15 · Score 13-20
    9-R.Gould extra point is GOOD, Center-43-T.Gafford, Holder-16-P.O'Donnell.
  11. Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q4 2:00 · CHI 40 · Score 19-20
    (2:00) (Shotgun) 5-T.Bridgewater pass short left to 14-S.Diggs for 40 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  12. Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q4 1:49 · CHI 15 · Score 20-20
    3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke.
  13. Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q4 0:04 · CHI 18 · Score 23-20
    (:04) (Field Goal formation) 3-B.Walsh 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke.

Key takeaways

What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.

  • Minnesota Vikings earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
  • One-score margin — verify garbage-time stats before drawing fantasy conclusions.
  • A. Jeffery (Chicago Bears) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
  • J. Cutler (CHI) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).

Frequently asked questions

Who won Minnesota Vikings vs Chicago Bears on 2015-11-01?

The Minnesota Vikings beat the Chicago Bears 23-20 in Week 8, 2015.

What was the score by quarter in Minnesota Vikings vs Chicago Bears?

Q1: Minnesota Vikings 7, Chicago Bears 3; Q2: Minnesota Vikings 3, Chicago Bears 7; Q3: Minnesota Vikings 0, Chicago Bears 3; Q4: Minnesota Vikings 13, Chicago Bears 7; Final: Minnesota Vikings 23, Chicago Bears 20.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Minnesota Vikings vs Chicago Bears?

Minnesota Vikings touchdown — M. Sherels (Q1 3:53) Chicago Bears touchdown — A. Jeffery (J. Cutler pass) (Q2 0:49) Chicago Bears touchdown — J. Cutler (Q4 5:00) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — S. Diggs (T. Bridgewater pass) (Q4 2:00) Chicago Bears field goal — R. Gould (Q1 11:03, 3 pts) Minnesota Vikings field goal — B. Walsh (Q2 9:11, 3 pts) Chicago Bears field goal — R. Gould (Q3 8:33, 3 pts) Minnesota Vikings field goal — B. Walsh (Q4 13:34, 3 pts) Minnesota Vikings field goal — B. Walsh (Q4 0:04, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Minnesota Vikings vs Chicago Bears?

J. Cutler (Chicago Bears), 61.1% completion, +6.4% CPOE, +0.16 EPA per dropback, +5.61 total passing EPA. Teddy Bridgewater (Minnesota Vikings), 50.0% completion, -1.5% CPOE, +0.11 EPA per dropback, +3.62 total passing EPA.

Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Minnesota Vikings vs Chicago Bears?

A. Jeffery (Chicago Bears) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +7.81 total EPA on Receiving plays. across 15 snaps. Their top snap (+3.04 EPA): (:49) (Shotgun) 6-J.Cutler pass deep left to 17-A.Jeffery for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN..

Was Minnesota Vikings vs Chicago Bears a close game?

Yes — the margin was 3 points. Minnesota Vikings won 23-20 in a game that came down to the wire.

Season records after this game

Minnesota Vikings

Entered 4-2 Now 5-2 W

Chicago Bears

Entered 2-4 Now 2-5 L

FantasyHQ · fantasyhq.co

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