Wondering about a player, a past game or another issue involving the Bears? Senior writer Larry Mayer answers a variety of questions from fans on ChicagoBears.com.
I just read that the Vikings are probably going to rest most of their starters Sunday, including quarterback Kirk Cousins. Who is Minnesota's backup?
John D.
Bolingbrook, Illinois
The Vikings backup quarterback is Sean Mannion, who is in his first year with Minnesota after spending his first three NFL seasons with the Rams. He was selected by the Rams in the third round of the 2015 draft out of Oregon State. In five NFL seasons, he has appeared in 12 games with one start, completing 33 of 53 passes for 258 yards with no touchdowns, one interception and a 66.4 passer rating. Mannion has not attempted a pass with the Vikings this season.
When was the last time the Bears played a non-division opponent in their season finale?
Raymond G.
Hampshire, Illinois
When they visit the Vikings Sunday, the Bears will close the season against an NFC North rival for the 11th straight year. The last time they faced a non-division opponent in their last game was in 2008 when they lost to the Texans 31-24 in Houston. In season finales since 2009, the Bears are 2-3 against the Vikings, 2-1 versus the Lions and 0-2 against the Packers. Nine of the 11 games have been played on the road, with the only exceptions coming in 2013 when the Bears lost to the Packers and 2015 when they fell to the Lions. Sunday marks the fourth straight year the Bears will have closed the season in Minnesota. The Bears won last year's finale 24-10 after losing 38-10 in 2016 and 23-10 in 2017.
When was the last time the Bears swept the Vikings in back-to-back seasons?
Fred S.
Colorado
With a fourth straight victory over the Vikings Sunday, the Bears would sweep Minnesota in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2010-12. That stretch was part of a six-game winning streak over the Vikings that is the longest for the Bears in the history of the series, which began in 1961 when Minnesota entered the NFL as an expansion team. The Bears also won six in a row from 1983-86.
Chalk Talk features fan questions multiple times each week.
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