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NFL · Week 15 · December 20, 2015 · 12 min read

Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings: 2015 Week 15 Recap

Vikings defeat Bears 38–17 in Week 15

Teddy Bridgewater led Fantasy Impact as Vikings prevailed in a 17–38 Week 15 finish.

Chicago Bears 17 5–9
Final 17–38
Minnesota Vikings 38 9–5 Winner
Winner
Minnesota Vikings
Final score
17–38
Halftime
Chicago Bears 7–17 Minnesota Vikings
Top passer
J. Cutler
FantasyHQ MVP
Teddy Bridgewater
Game date
December 20, 2015

Top fantasy performers · Bears

  • M.Mariani 3 REC · 31 YDS +3.1 Fantasy Impact
  • A.Jeffery 1 REC · 10 YDS · 1 TD +1.8 Fantasy Impact
  • J.Langford 11 CAR · 46 YDS +0.9 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Vikings

  • Teddy Bridgewater
    Teddy Bridgewater 17/26 · 238 YDS · 5 TD +20.1 Fantasy Impact
  • Jerick McKinnon
    Jerick McKinnon 4 REC · 76 YDS · 1 TD +8.1 Fantasy Impact
  • Stefon Diggs
    Stefon Diggs 3 REC · 55 YDS · 2 TD +4.8 Fantasy Impact
View Bears vs Vikings box score View all 2015 NFL game recaps

Game story

The Minnesota Vikings defeated the Chicago Bears 38–17 in Week 15 of the 2015 NFL season on 2015-12-20, a matchup that controlled the game from start to finish. The decisive swing (-9.0% win probability) came in the third quarter when Chicago Bears swung the momentum.

In Week 15 of the 2015 NFL season on 2015-12-20, the Minnesota Vikings took care of business against the Chicago Bears, pulling away with a 38–17 final that controlled the game from start to finish.

The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 21 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.

J. Cutler (Chicago Bears) paced the passing game, with -12.08 total EPA, and +6.3% completion percentage over expected.

On the individual side, T. Bridgewater (Minnesota Vikings) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +20.09 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.

The momentum swing (-9.0% win probability) landed in the third quarter when Chicago Bears changed the game: (13:57) (No Huddle) 6-J.Cutler sacked at MIN 47 for -6 yards (96-B.Robison). FUMBLES (96-B.Robison), RECOVERED by MIN-96-B.Robison at MIN 45. 96-B.Robison to MIN 45 for no gain (6-J.Cutler).

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q3Q4—T
Chicago Bears0737017
Minnesota Vikings710714038

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.

  1. 1 T. Bridgewater · Minnesota Vikings · Passing · +20.09 total EPA · 26 snaps · +0.77 EPA/play
  2. 2 J. McKinnon · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +8.10 total EPA · 4 snaps · +2.03 EPA/play
  3. 3 S. Diggs · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +4.76 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.19 EPA/play
  4. 4 J. Wright · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +3.54 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.18 EPA/play
  5. 5 M. Mariani · Chicago Bears · Receiving · +3.11 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.78 EPA/play
  6. 6 K. Rudolph · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +2.98 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.49 EPA/play
  7. 7 Z. Line · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +2.43 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.21 EPA/play
  8. 8 A. Jeffery · Chicago Bears · Receiving · +1.76 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.35 EPA/play

Player of the game

FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.

T. Bridgewater — MIN · Passing

T. Bridgewater posted the highest total EPA (+20.09) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Minnesota Vikings's efficiency. Across 26 counted snaps, they averaged +0.77 EPA per play.

The signature play (-5.82 EPA) came from Chicago Bears: (13:57) (No Huddle) 6-J.Cutler sacked at MIN 47 for -6 yards (96-B.Robison). FUMBLES (96-B.Robison), RECOVERED by MIN-96-B.Robison at MIN 45. 96-B.Robison to MIN 45 for no gain (6-J.Cutler).

Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

  • Minnesota Vikings — S. Diggs (T. Bridgewater pass) (Q1 50:49)
  • Chicago Bears — A. Jeffery (J. Cutler pass) (Q2 35:45)
  • Minnesota Vikings — J. McKinnon (T. Bridgewater pass) (Q2 30:33)
  • Minnesota Vikings — S. Diggs (T. Bridgewater pass) (Q3 25:49)
  • Minnesota Vikings — T. Bridgewater (Q4 8:52)
  • Chicago Bears — M. Forte (J. Cutler pass) (Q4 5:19)
  • Minnesota Vikings — Z. Line (T. Bridgewater pass) (Q4 1:57)

Field goals

  • Minnesota Vikings — B. Walsh (Q2 44:27)
  • Chicago Bears — R. Gould (Q3 19:28)

How it unfolded, quarter by quarter

A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.

The opening quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 7–0. Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the CHI 15 (Q1 50:49) — (5:49) (Shotgun) 5-T.Bridgewater pass short left to 14-S.Diggs for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the CHI 15 (Q1 50:44) — (Kick formation) 3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke..

The second quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 10–7. Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the CHI 35 (Q2 44:27) — (14:27) (Field Goal formation) 3-B.Walsh 53 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke.; Chicago Bears found the end zone from the MIN 10 (Q2 35:45) — (5:45) (Shotgun) 6-J.Cutler pass short left to 17-A.Jeffery for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Chicago Bears added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q2 35:40) — (Kick formation) 9-R.Gould extra point is GOOD, Center-48-P.Scales, Holder-16-P.O'Donnell.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the CHI 17 (Q2 30:33); Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the CHI 15 (Q2 30:26) — (Kick formation) 3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke..

The third quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 7–3. Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the CHI 33 (Q3 25:49) — (10:49) (Shotgun) 5-T.Bridgewater pass short right to 14-S.Diggs for 33 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the CHI 15 (Q3 25:40) — 3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke.; Chicago Bears connected on a field goal from the MIN 33 (Q3 19:28) — (4:28) (Field Goal formation) 9-R.Gould 51 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-P.Scales, Holder-16-P.O'Donnell..

The fourth quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 14–7. Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the CHI 12 (Q4 8:52) — (8:52) (Shotgun) 5-T.Bridgewater scrambles up the middle for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on CHI-31-C.Prosinski, Illegal Contact, declined.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the CHI 15 (Q4 8:45) — (Kick formation) 3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke.; Chicago Bears found the end zone from the MIN 4 (Q4 5:19) — (5:19) 6-J.Cutler pass short right to 22-M.Forte for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Chicago Bears added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q4 5:13) — (Kick formation) 9-R.Gould extra point is GOOD, Center-48-P.Scales, Holder-16-P.O'Donnell.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the CHI 4 (Q4 1:57) — (1:57) (Run formation) 74-A.Shepherd reported in as eligible. 5-T.Bridgewater pass short right to 48-Z.Line for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the CHI 15 (Q4 1:50) — (Kick formation) 3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.

  • Chicago Bears (Q3 28:57) — (13:57) (No Huddle) 6-J.Cutler sacked at MIN 47 for -6 yards (96-B.Robison). FUMBLES (96-B.Robison), RECOVERED by MIN-96-B.Robison at MIN 45. 96-B.Robison to MIN 45 for no gain (6-J.Cutler). [WPA -9.0% · EPA -5.82]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q1 54:03) — (9:03) (Shotgun) 5-T.Bridgewater pass short left to 31-J.McKinnon pushed ob at CHI 39 for 25 yards (21-T.Porter) [97-W.Young]. [WPA +7.5% · EPA +2.43]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q2 30:33) — (:33) (Shotgun) 5-T.Bridgewater pass short right to 31-J.McKinnon for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN [30-D.Hurst]. Penalty on CHI-30-D.Hurst, Roughing the Passer, offsetting. Penalty on MIN-31-J.McKinnon, Unspor [WPA +5.9% · EPA +3.50]
  • Chicago Bears (Q1 60:00) — 3-B.Walsh kicks 64 yards from MIN 35 to CHI 1. 14-D.Thompson pushed ob at 50 for 49 yards (26-T.Waynes). [WPA +5.8% · EPA +2.15]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q3 30:00) — 9-R.Gould kicks onside 12 yards from CHI 35 to CHI 47. RECOVERED by CHI-27-S.McManis. [WPA -5.7% · EPA -3.17]

Impact plays

Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.

  • Chicago Bears (Q3 28:57) — (13:57) (No Huddle) 6-J.Cutler sacked at MIN 47 for -6 yards (96-B.Robison). FUMBLES (96-B.Robison), RECOVERED by MIN-96-B.Robison at MIN 45. 96-B.Robison to MIN 45 for no gain (6-J.Cutler). [WPA -9.0% · EPA -5.82]
  • Chicago Bears (Q4 10:02) — (10:02) (Shotgun) 6-J.Cutler pass short right intended for 22-M.Forte INTERCEPTED by 94-J.Trattou at CHI 16. 94-J.Trattou to CHI 13 for 3 yards (65-P.Omameh). [WPA -1.5% · EPA -5.66]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q3 25:49) — (10:49) (Shotgun) 5-T.Bridgewater pass short right to 14-S.Diggs for 33 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +4.2% · EPA +3.96]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q2 30:33) — (:33) (Shotgun) 5-T.Bridgewater pass short right to 31-J.McKinnon for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN [30-D.Hurst]. Penalty on CHI-30-D.Hurst, Roughing the Passer, offsetting. Penalty on MIN-31-J.McKinnon, Unspor [WPA +5.9% · EPA +3.50]

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) · 42 dropbacks · 61.9% completion · +6.3% CPOE · -0.29 EPA/play · -12.08 total EPA
  • T.Bridgewater (Minnesota Vikings) · 26 dropbacks · 65.4% completion · +16.6% CPOE · +0.77 EPA/play · +20.09 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.

StatChicago BearsMinnesota Vikings
Offensive EPA/play-0.047+0.222
Offensive success rate50.0%45.5%
Pass EPA/play-0.288+0.773
Rush EPA/play+0.088-0.073
Defensive EPA/play-0.222+0.047
Defensive success rate54.5%50.0%

By the numbers

Minnesota Vikings held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.22 vs -0.05), even if the scoreboard told a different story.

  • Chicago Bears: 11 drives, -3.79 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
  • Minnesota Vikings: 10 drives, +17.09 total EPA, 6 scoring drives

Key takeaways

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

  • Minnesota Vikings leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
  • T. Bridgewater (Minnesota Vikings) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
  • J. Cutler (CHI) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
  • T. Bridgewater (MIN) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.

Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.

  1. Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q1 50:49 · CHI 15 · Score 0-6
    (5:49) (Shotgun) 5-T.Bridgewater pass short left to 14-S.Diggs for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  2. Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q1 50:44 · CHI 15 · Score 0-7
    (Kick formation) 3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke.
  3. Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q2 44:27 · CHI 35 · Score 0-10
    (14:27) (Field Goal formation) 3-B.Walsh 53 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke.
  4. Chicago Bears TD (+6) — Q2 35:45 · MIN 10 · Score 6-10
    (5:45) (Shotgun) 6-J.Cutler pass short left to 17-A.Jeffery for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  5. Chicago Bears XP (+1) — Q2 35:40 · MIN 15 · Score 7-10
    (Kick formation) 9-R.Gould extra point is GOOD, Center-48-P.Scales, Holder-16-P.O'Donnell.
  6. Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q2 30:33 · CHI 17 · Score 7-16
    (:33) (Shotgun) 5-T.Bridgewater pass short right to 31-J.McKinnon for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN [30-D.Hurst]. Penalty on CHI-30-D.Hurst, Roughing the Passer, offsetti
  7. Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q2 30:26 · CHI 15 · Score 7-17
    (Kick formation) 3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke.
  8. Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q3 25:49 · CHI 33 · Score 7-23
    (10:49) (Shotgun) 5-T.Bridgewater pass short right to 14-S.Diggs for 33 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  9. Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q3 25:40 · CHI 15 · Score 7-24
    3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke.
  10. Chicago Bears FG (+3) — Q3 19:28 · MIN 33 · Score 10-24
    (4:28) (Field Goal formation) 9-R.Gould 51 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-P.Scales, Holder-16-P.O'Donnell.
  11. Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q4 8:52 · CHI 12 · Score 10-30
    (8:52) (Shotgun) 5-T.Bridgewater scrambles up the middle for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on CHI-31-C.Prosinski, Illegal Contact, declined.
  12. Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q4 8:45 · CHI 15 · Score 10-31
    (Kick formation) 3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke.
  13. Chicago Bears TD (+6) — Q4 5:19 · MIN 4 · Score 16-31
    (5:19) 6-J.Cutler pass short right to 22-M.Forte for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  14. Chicago Bears XP (+1) — Q4 5:13 · MIN 15 · Score 17-31
    (Kick formation) 9-R.Gould extra point is GOOD, Center-48-P.Scales, Holder-16-P.O'Donnell.
  15. Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q4 1:57 · CHI 4 · Score 17-37
    (1:57) (Run formation) 74-A.Shepherd reported in as eligible. 5-T.Bridgewater pass short right to 48-Z.Line for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  16. Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q4 1:50 · CHI 15 · Score 17-38
    (Kick formation) 3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.McDermott, Holder-18-J.Locke.

Frequently asked questions

Who won Chicago Bears vs Minnesota Vikings?

The Minnesota Vikings beat the Chicago Bears 38-17 in Week 15, 2015 on 2015-12-20.

What was the final score of Chicago Bears vs Minnesota Vikings?

The final score was Chicago Bears 17, Minnesota Vikings 38 (CHI 17-38 MIN) in Week 15, 2015 on 2015-12-20.

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

Q1: Chicago Bears 0, Minnesota Vikings 7; Q2: Chicago Bears 7, Minnesota Vikings 10; Q3: Chicago Bears 3, Minnesota Vikings 7; Q4: Chicago Bears 7, Minnesota Vikings 14; Final: Chicago Bears 17, Minnesota Vikings 38.

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

Minnesota Vikings touchdown — S. Diggs (T. Bridgewater pass) (Q1 50:49) Chicago Bears touchdown — A. Jeffery (J. Cutler pass) (Q2 35:45) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — J. McKinnon (T. Bridgewater pass) (Q2 30:33) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — S. Diggs (T. Bridgewater pass) (Q3 25:49) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — T. Bridgewater (Q4 8:52) Chicago Bears touchdown — M. Forte (J. Cutler pass) (Q4 5:19) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — Z. Line (T. Bridgewater pass) (Q4 1:57) Minnesota Vikings field goal — B. Walsh (Q2 44:27, 3 pts) Chicago Bears field goal — R. Gould (Q3 19:28, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

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

J. Cutler (Chicago Bears), 61.9% completion, +6.3% CPOE, -0.29 EPA per dropback, -12.08 total passing EPA. T. Bridgewater (Minnesota Vikings), 65.4% completion, +16.6% CPOE, +0.77 EPA per dropback, +20.09 total passing EPA.

Who was the most impactful player in Chicago Bears vs Minnesota Vikings?

T. Bridgewater (Minnesota Vikings) led the game in total EPA with +20.09 on passing plays. across 26 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-5.82 EPA): (13:57) (No Huddle) 6-J.Cutler sacked at MIN 47 for -6 yards (96-B.Robison). FUMBLES (96-B.Robison), RECOVERED by MIN-96-B.Robison at MIN 45. 96-B.Robison to MIN 45 for no gain (6-. The biggest win-probability swing was -9.0%.

Season records after this game

Chicago Bears

Entered 5-8 Now 5-9 L

Minnesota Vikings

Entered 8-5 Now 9-5 W

FantasyHQ · fantasyhq.co

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