The struggling Chicago Bears (8-4) hope to turn their hard luck around when they face off against its NFC North rivals the Minnesota Vikings (6-6) on Sunday.  To make matters worst, the Bears will be without their defensive go-to guy, Brian Urlacher, who will be on the shelf for at least three games. 

Chicago is coming off a 23-17overtime loss at the hands of the Seattle Seahawks.  In the game, the 34-year-old linebacker suffered a strained hamstring.

The eight-time pro bowler is hoping he can recover in time for the playoffs assuming the Bears continue to stay in contention.  However, with the expiration of his contract near, he may very well have played his last game in a Chicago Bears uniform.

"I do not think that's going to happen.  But if he does, I have had a really good and long career so I would be sad, but I would not be crushed," Urlacher told ESPN.

Urlacher aside, the Bears are already without the services of there other defensive standouts Charles Tillman and Lance Briggs.

Nonetheless, it has been three years since Chicago has lost a game to the Vikings.  Regardless of their recent track record against Minnesota, the Bears continue to currently struggle, as the Vikings are the only club they've prevailed against in the last month. 

Although Chicago has beaten Minnesota in six consecutive matchups, they have lost three out of their last four, courtesy of their hindered defense, which is still ranked second in points allowed at 16.5.  The team gave up 459 yards to a Seahawks offense that is one of the NFL's worst (27th).

CLICK HERE to watch the Chicago Bears take on the Minnesota Vikings via free live stream.  Coverage of the NFL game is set to begin at 12 p.m. CT on Dec. 9.

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