CHICAGO (Ticker) -- The Minnesota Vikings look to move a step closer to winning the NFC North Division title on Sunday when they visit Soldier Field for a meeting against the Chicago Bears.
Aiming for their first divisional crown since 2000, the Vikings hold a one-game lead over the Green Bay Packers with three games remaining. They would claim the division with a win here and if Green Bay loses at San Diego.
The Vikings would seem to have a favorable schedule down the stretch. After this contest, they host the league-leading Kansas City Chiefs before closing the season at lowly Arizona.
But the Vikings have struggled on the road. They won their first three road contests this season but have dropped their last three, allowing an astounding average of 42.6 points.
The much-maligned Vikings' defense came up with one of their best efforts of the season in last Sunday's 34-7 rout of Seattle. Minnesota forced three turnovers in shutting down one of the NFL's best offenses.
Daunte Culpepper carried the offense, throwing for 274 yards and three touchdowns. His favorite target was Randy Moss, who had eight catches for 133 yards and two touchdowns.
Moss is second in the NFL with 90 catches for 1,372 yards. He leads all receivers with 13 touchdowns.
Any slim hopes the Bears had at winning the division ended last Sunday when they squandered a 14-point lead in a 34-21 loss at Green Bay.
Kordell Stewart, making his second straight start in place of the injured Chris Chandler, completed just 17-of-40 passes for 256 yards with three interceptions against the Packers. Chandler, who has missed the last two games with a shoulder injury, could return for this contest.
With the Bears out of contention, rookie Rex Grossman will make his first career start against the Vikings. Chicago's first-round pick this year, Grossman has not played all season. He passed for 9,164 yards and 77 touchdowns at Florida.
Chicago has played well at home this season, going 4-2.
In the first meeting between the teams on September 14, Culpepper tossed two touchdown passes to tight end Jim Kleinsasser, leading the Vikings to a 24-13 victory.
Moe Williams added 108 yards rushing and a touchdown for the Vikings, who also received a big effort from their defense. Minnesota held Chicago to 208 total yards and 10 first downs.
The Vikings lead the series, 46-36-2.
