Vikings, Bridgewater Maul Bears 38-17

The Minnesota Vikings (9-5) dominated the visiting Chicago Bears (5-9) 38-17 this afternoon at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Teddy Bridgewater had his best game as a Viking, throwing four touchdown passes and running for a fifth -- bringing the Vikes another step closer to the playoffs.

Bridgewater completed 17 of 20 for 231 yards. Adrian Peterson's twisted ankle was able to rest for most of the second half thanks to the large lead -- ending the day with 18 carries for 63 yards. Derrick McKinnon was Minnesota's leading receiver with 4 catches for 76 yards and a touchdown.

On the defensive side of the ball Terence Newman led the Vikes in tackles with 8; Eric Kendricks had 7. Justin Trattou picked off Jay Cutler for the team's lone interception. Josh Robinson stripped the ball from Cutler in the second quarter and went on to recover the fumble. Minnesota sacked the Chicago QB five times.

Teddy Bridgewater's performance was the first 4-TD passing game by a Viking quarterback since Brett Favre did the same on January 17, 2010.

With two games left in the regular season, the Vikings control their own destiny on the path to the NFC North title. Win out and claim the crown.

Next up for the Vikes: The New York Giants next Sunday night at 7:30 PM at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.

Skol!