Game story
In Week 18 of the 2021 NFL season on 2022-01-09, the Minnesota Vikings took care of business against the Chicago Bears, pulling away with a 31–17 final that built a comfortable lead.
The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 21 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
A. Dalton (Chicago Bears) paced the passing game, with -19.09 total EPA, and +0.5% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, I. Smith-Marsette (Minnesota Vikings) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +10.01 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+27.9% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Minnesota Vikings changed the game: (13:44) 8-K.Cousins pass deep right to 18-J.Jefferson for 45 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Bears | 3 | 11 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 17 |
| Minnesota Vikings | 0 | 3 | 7 | 21 | 0 | 31 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 I. Smith-Marsette · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +10.01 total EPA · 3 snaps · +3.34 EPA/play
- 2 J. Jefferson · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +7.45 total EPA · 7 snaps · +1.06 EPA/play
- 3 K. Cousins · Minnesota Vikings · Passing · +7.06 total EPA · 26 snaps · +0.27 EPA/play
- 4 D. Williams · Chicago Bears · Receiving · +2.55 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.51 EPA/play
- 5 C. Kmet · Chicago Bears · Receiving · +2.52 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.50 EPA/play
- 6 D. Byrd · Chicago Bears · Receiving · +2.49 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.41 EPA/play
- 7 J. Graham · Chicago Bears · Receiving · +1.79 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.89 EPA/play
- 8 K. Osborn · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +0.75 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.19 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
I. Smith-Marsette — MIN · Receiving
I. Smith-Marsette posted the highest total EPA (+10.01) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Minnesota Vikings's efficiency. Across 3 counted snaps, they averaged +3.34 EPA per play.
The signature play (-7.58 EPA) came from Chicago Bears: (5:10) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 14-A.Dalton pass deep left intended for 83-D.Newsome INTERCEPTED by 7-P.Peterson [79-K.Willekes] at MIN 34. 7-P.Peterson for 66 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Chicago Bears — D. Williams (A. Dalton pass)
- Minnesota Vikings — I. Smith-Marsette (K. Cousins pass)
- Minnesota Vikings — J. Jefferson (K. Cousins pass)
- Minnesota Vikings — K. Osborn (K. Cousins pass)
- Minnesota Vikings — P. Peterson
Field goals
- Chicago Bears — C. Santos
- Chicago Bears — C. Santos
- Minnesota Vikings — G. Joseph
- Chicago Bears — C. Santos
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Chicago Bears won the period 3–0. Chicago Bears connected on a field goal from the MIN 24 (Q1 57:13) — (12:13) 2-C.Santos 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-P.Scales, Holder-16-P.O'Donnell..
The second quarter: Chicago Bears won the period 11–3. Chicago Bears connected on a field goal from the MIN 28 (Q2 35:00) — (5:00) 2-C.Santos 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-P.Scales, Holder-16-P.O'Donnell.; Chicago Bears found the end zone from the MIN 23 (Q2 30:36) — (:36) (Shotgun) 14-A.Dalton pass short right to 8-D.Williams for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Chicago Bears registered a safety from the MIN 2 (Q2 30:31) — (Pass formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 14-A.Dalton pass to 12-A.Robinson is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.; Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the CHI 21 (Q2 30:03) — (:03) 1-G.Joseph 39 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry..
The third quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 7–3. Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the CHI 44 (Q3 27:31) — (12:31) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass deep middle to 15-I.Smith-Marsette for 44 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the CHI 15 (Q3 27:24) — 1-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry.; Chicago Bears connected on a field goal from the MIN 24 (Q3 16:41) — (1:41) 2-C.Santos 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-P.Scales, Holder-16-P.O'Donnell..
The fourth quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 21–0. Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the CHI 45 (Q4 13:44) — (13:44) 8-K.Cousins pass deep right to 18-J.Jefferson for 45 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the CHI 15 (Q4 13:35) — 1-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the CHI 21 (Q4 8:11) — (8:11) 8-K.Cousins pass deep left to 17-K.Osborn for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the CHI 15 (Q4 8:04); Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the MIN 51 (Q4 5:10); Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the CHI 15 (Q4 4:54).
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q4 13:44) — (13:44) 8-K.Cousins pass deep right to 18-J.Jefferson for 45 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q3 27:31) — (12:31) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass deep middle to 15-I.Smith-Marsette for 44 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Chicago Bears (Q3 22:55) — (7:55) 14-A.Dalton sacked at MIN 16 for -15 yards (55-A.Barr).
- Minnesota Vikings (Q4 8:11) — (8:11) 8-K.Cousins pass deep left to 17-K.Osborn for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Chicago Bears (Q4 5:10) — (5:10) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 14-A.Dalton pass deep left intended for 83-D.Newsome INTERCEPTED by 7-P.Peterson [79-K.Willekes] at MIN 34. 7-P.Peterson for 66 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Chicago Bears (Q4 5:10) — (5:10) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 14-A.Dalton pass deep left intended for 83-D.Newsome INTERCEPTED by 7-P.Peterson [79-K.Willekes] at MIN 34. 7-P.Peterson for 66 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Chicago Bears (Q3 22:55) — (7:55) 14-A.Dalton sacked at MIN 16 for -15 yards (55-A.Barr).
- Minnesota Vikings (Q3 27:31) — (12:31) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass deep middle to 15-I.Smith-Marsette for 44 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Chicago Bears (Q4 4:48) — (4:48) (Shotgun) 14-A.Dalton pass short right intended for 11-D.Mooney INTERCEPTED by 48-B.Lynch (91-T.McGill) [91-T.McGill] at MIN 43. 48-B.Lynch to MIN 45 for 2 yards (24-K.Herbert).
Quarterback report card
A.Dalton led all passers in efficiency for Chicago Bears, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- A.Dalton (Chicago Bears) · 58 dropbacks · 56.9% completion · +0.5% CPOE · -0.33 EPA/play · -19.09 total EPA
- K.Cousins (Minnesota Vikings) · 26 dropbacks · 53.8% completion · +4.2% CPOE · +0.27 EPA/play · +7.06 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Chicago Bears | Minnesota Vikings |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.179 | -0.056 |
| Offensive success rate | 44.1% | 38.5% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.329 | +0.272 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.077 | -0.163 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.056 | +0.179 |
| Defensive success rate | 61.5% | 55.9% |
By the numbers
Minnesota Vikings held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (-0.06 vs -0.18), even if the scoreboard told a different story.
- Chicago Bears: 11 drives, -16.62 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
- Minnesota Vikings: 12 drives, -3.67 total EPA, 4 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.
- I. Smith-Marsette (Minnesota Vikings) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- K. Cousins (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.
- Chicago Bears FG (+3) — Q1 57:13 · MIN 24 · Score 3-0
(12:13) 2-C.Santos 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-P.Scales, Holder-16-P.O'Donnell. - Chicago Bears FG (+3) — Q2 35:00 · MIN 28 · Score 6-0
(5:00) 2-C.Santos 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-P.Scales, Holder-16-P.O'Donnell. - Chicago Bears TD (+6) — Q2 30:36 · MIN 23 · Score 12-0
(:36) (Shotgun) 14-A.Dalton pass short right to 8-D.Williams for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Chicago Bears Safety (+2) — Q2 30:31 · MIN 2 · Score 14-0
(Pass formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 14-A.Dalton pass to 12-A.Robinson is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS. - Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q2 30:03 · CHI 21 · Score 14-3
(:03) 1-G.Joseph 39 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry. - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q3 27:31 · CHI 44 · Score 14-9
(12:31) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass deep middle to 15-I.Smith-Marsette for 44 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q3 27:24 · CHI 15 · Score 14-10
1-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry. - Chicago Bears FG (+3) — Q3 16:41 · MIN 24 · Score 17-10
(1:41) 2-C.Santos 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-P.Scales, Holder-16-P.O'Donnell. - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q4 13:44 · CHI 45 · Score 17-16
(13:44) 8-K.Cousins pass deep right to 18-J.Jefferson for 45 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q4 13:35 · CHI 15 · Score 17-17
1-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry. - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q4 8:11 · CHI 21 · Score 17-23
(8:11) 8-K.Cousins pass deep left to 17-K.Osborn for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q4 8:04 · CHI 15 · Score 17-24
1-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry. PENALTY on CHI-57-C.Jones, Defensive Offside, 5 yards, enforced between downs. - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q4 5:10 · MIN 51 · Score 17-30
(5:10) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 14-A.Dalton pass deep left intended for 83-D.Newsome INTERCEPTED by 7-P.Peterson [79-K.Willekes] at MIN 34. 7-P.Peterson for 66 yard - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q4 4:54 · CHI 15 · Score 17-31
1-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry. PENALTY on CHI-25-A.Burns, Defensive Offside, 5 yards, enforced between downs.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Chicago Bears vs Minnesota Vikings?
The Minnesota Vikings beat the Chicago Bears 31-17 in Week 18, 2021 on 2022-01-09.
What was the final score of Chicago Bears vs Minnesota Vikings?
The final score was Chicago Bears 17, Minnesota Vikings 31 (CHI 17-31 MIN) in Week 18, 2021 on 2022-01-09.
What was the score by quarter in Chicago Bears vs Minnesota Vikings?
Q1: Chicago Bears 3, Minnesota Vikings 0; Q2: Chicago Bears 11, Minnesota Vikings 3; Q3: Chicago Bears 3, Minnesota Vikings 7; Q4: Chicago Bears 0, Minnesota Vikings 21; Final: Chicago Bears 17, Minnesota Vikings 31.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Chicago Bears vs Minnesota Vikings?
Chicago Bears touchdown — D. Williams (A. Dalton pass) (Q2 30:36) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — I. Smith-Marsette (K. Cousins pass) (Q3 27:31) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — J. Jefferson (K. Cousins pass) (Q4 13:44) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — K. Osborn (K. Cousins pass) (Q4 8:11) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — P. Peterson (Q4 5:10) Chicago Bears field goal — C. Santos (Q1 57:13, 3 pts) Chicago Bears field goal — C. Santos (Q2 35:00, 3 pts) Minnesota Vikings field goal — G. Joseph (Q2 30:03, 3 pts) Chicago Bears field goal — C. Santos (Q3 16:41, 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?
A. Dalton (Chicago Bears), 56.9% completion, +0.5% CPOE, -0.33 EPA per dropback, -19.09 total passing EPA. K. Cousins (Minnesota Vikings), 53.8% completion, +4.2% CPOE, +0.27 EPA per dropback, +7.06 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Chicago Bears vs Minnesota Vikings?
I. Smith-Marsette (Minnesota Vikings) led the game in total EPA with +10.01 on receiving plays. across 3 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-7.58 EPA): (5:10) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 14-A.Dalton pass deep left intended for 83-D.Newsome INTERCEPTED by 7-P.Peterson [79-K.Willekes] at MIN 34. 7-P.Peterson for 66 yards, TOUCHDOWN.. The biggest win-probability swing was +27.9%.
Season records after this game
Chicago Bears
Entered 6-10 Now 6-11 L
Minnesota Vikings
Entered 7-9 Now 8-9 W
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