Fantasy Player Projections

Christian Ponder

Ponder will see Chicago's defense twice over the next three weeks. It doesn't look like Christmas will be coming early for the second-year quarterback.

Adrian Peterson

Peterson has as much reason to fear the Bears as Christian Ponder does. AP has averaged 3.1 yards per carry in his last two games against Chicago, and has not reached the 100-yard mark in his last four. He can make up for fewer rushing yards with more receiving yards and a score, though.

Toby Gerhart

In the past five games Gerhart has more receptions (seven) than carries (four). The Vikings are getting more mileage from Christian Ponder's legs these days.

Percy Harvin

The Vikings are hopeful Harvin can start Sunday, but this week did not get off on the right foot. Harvin was held out of Monday's practice and his ankle is reportedly still swollen. Fantasy owners need to watch daily practice reports and should temper their expectations, even if Harvin clears the medical red tape.

Jerome Simpson

This experiment just hasn't worked. Simpson missed time due to suspension, more time due to nagging injuries, and now has struggled to build chemistry with Christian Ponder. He has just 22 targets in six games. Fantasy owners could find a dozen receivers on the waiver wire with more upside for Week 12.

Michael Jenkins

A foot injury limited Jenkins' workload during the Vikings' bye week. The injury couldn't have come at a worse time, as the Vikings may be without Percy Harvin Sunday. That said, Jenkins can't carry Harvin's shoes, let alone fill them.

Kyle Rudolph

Rudolph and Christian Ponder have connected for six touchdowns already this season, and Ponder has shown a willingness to throw to Rudolph in the red zone, no matter how well covered he is. In this game, Ponder may have no choice; Rudolph enters the week as one of the few healthy pass-catchers on the roster.

Blair Walsh

The Bears give up very few field goals and even fewer extra points. Every point in the Windy City is earned, and with Minnesota dealing with a few key injuries it could be a rotten road trip for the Vikings' rookie placekicker.

Two problems for the Vikings: 1) They do not have a cornerback able to hang with Brandon Marshall and 2) they are all but assured of turning the ball over to a defense leading the league in takeaways.

Jay Cutler

Cutler missed last week's contest against San Francisco with a concussion, but should receive clearance for this week's intradivisional matchup with Minnesota. Cutler has thrown 12 touchdowns and four interceptions in his last four meetings with Minnesota.

Matt Forte

Forte's last score in this series came on a two-yard toss from Kyle Orton during the back's rookie season. He is long overdue, but considering how well Minnesota defends the run (3.9 yards per carry), we're predicting Forte will strike via the passing game again.

Michael Bush

Bush continues to see spot time, depending on the game situation and how well Matt Forte is performing. Usually there is no reason for Chicago to call Bush's name, giving fantasy owners no reason to keep tabs on the backup.

Brandon Marshall

This game will play out like an Alicia Keys song: No one, no one, no one can stop Marshall from catching the football in this contest. The Vikings' secondary has no one, and Chicago will exploit that fact early and often with Marshall.

Alshon Jeffery

The Bears are happy to have Jeffery back in the lineup, as none of the team's other options (Earl Bennett, Devin Hester, etc.) helped pull attention away from No. 1 target Brandon Marshall. Jeffery could do well this week against a Vikings secondary full of holes.

Kellen Davis

For those who lost the memo, Davis plays a minor role in the Bears' passing game, and his production (opportunity) varies week to week. Remove him from your consideration set.

Robbie Gould

Gould has a track record of success at home against Minnesota. In the Vikings' last four trips to the Windy City, Gould has made 10-of-13 field goals and has averaged 11.5 points.

A defensive or special teams touchdown for the average team is considered a pleasant surprise; for the Bears it's become expected.