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Division lead at stake in Vikings-Bears clash

Nov 25, 2008 - 9:12 PM CHICAGO (6-5) AT MINNESOTA (6-5), 8:15 pm EST

MINNEAPOLIS (Ticker) -- Expect less scoring when the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears clash Sunday.

First place in the NFC North will be on the line when the Vikings host the Bears on Sunday - the second meeting between the teams in seven weeks.

In the previous matchup, the Bears matched their highest scoring output in 22 years, getting a pair of special-teams touchdowns in winning a 48-41 slugfest with Minnesota.

Kyle Orton threw a pair of third-quarter touchdowns to help Chicago survive a big game from Vikings star running back Adrian Peterson, who rushed for 121 yards and two touchdowns.

Since that loss, Minnesota has rebounded to win three of four games, including last weekend's 30-12 victory at Jacksonville.

The Vikings turned a pair of miscues by the Jaguars into two quick touchdowns, taking a 14-0 lead less than two minutes into the contest. They forced five turnovers overall.

"First time I've ever been associated with two scores, 14-0, 1:41 into the game," Minnesota coach Brad Childress said. "In your wildest dreams you don't think it will go like that, but you don't turn any of those things back."

Despite sitting out the first two series against Jacksonville for missing a team meeting, Peterson rumbled for 80 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries.

The second-year standout has enjoyed immense success against the Bears, rushing for seven touchdowns in three games, including a monster 224-yard performance last season.

The Bears snapped a two-game losing streak with a 27-3 cakewalk over the St. Louis Rams last weekend.

Rookie Matt Forte churned out a season-high 132 yards and scored two touchdowns as Chicago built a quick 21-0 lead in tuning up for the key clash with Minnesota.

"It is crucial," Forte said. "It is another division game and we have to stay on top of these division games. We need a win up there on the road."

Orton had pedestrian numbers in his second start since returning from injury, completing 18-of-29 passes for 139 yards and a touchdown. He also set a franchise mark with 185 consecutive passes without an interception.