Friday, December 27, 2024

NFL Week 12 live updates and scores: Playoff projections, highlights, news, injuries, analysis

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-Last week, Jefferson, the Vikings’ superstar wide receiver, was asked how he would defend himself. His reply? Shut him down, make the other Vikings receivers beat them. That’s the approach the Bears took Sunday afternoon at Soldier Field, and Vikings No. 2 receiver Addison torched them. The second-year receiver finished with his career-high yardage on eight catches. He also hauled in his fourth touchdown pass of the season.

Jefferson, meanwhile, caught only one pass for 7 yards during regulation. Addison displayed his entire skill set with the Bears focused on Jefferson. He snatched a 45-yard pass with Bears cornerback Terell Smith draped all over his back. His touchdown grab was also a highly contested catch. In the second half, Darnold found Addison on a crossing route, and Addison tightroped his way down the sideline for a 69-yard gain. He supplied the same level of explosiveness, route-running and ball-tracking ability that Vikings fans have become accustomed to from Jefferson. — Alec Lewis, Vikings beat writer

-The Bears have to lead the league in heartbreaking losses this season. A week after losing to the Green Bay Packers on a blocked field goal as time expired, the Vikings won on Romo’s 29-yard field goal in overtime. They’ve lost five games in a row, starting with the Hail Mary loss against the Washington Commanders.

The Bears defense couldn’t stop Darnold in overtime. He found Hockenson wide open for a 29-yard gain to set up Romo’s game-winner. It was a wild game for the Bears. Safety Tarvarius Moore recovered an onside kick. But the Vikings blocked kicker Santos’ 48-yard field goal attempt in the second quarter, and returner D’Andre Carter also muffed a punt. Two pass-inference penalties were called on cornerback Jaylon Johnson against Jefferson. Add it all up and the Bears are only good enough to scare their division rivals right now. — Adam Jahns, Bears beat writer

GO FURTHER

Vikings beat Bears in OT as Jordan Addison has career day: Key takeaways

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