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'Monday Night Football' scores, live updates: Vikings host Bears, Raiders host Falcons in doubleheader
The Vikings have already clinched a playoff spot, and the Falcons are trying to hang on in the NFC South
Staff writer
The last "Monday Night Football" doubleheader of the season is here.
Four teams will officially wrap up Week 15 of the regular season on Monday. First up, the Minnesota Vikings will host the Chicago Bears in an NFC North battle that could be significant for the Vikings in the playoff race.
The Vikings officially clinched a postseason berth on Sunday, though they trail the Detroit Lions in the division. The Lions are dealing with numerous injuries that seem to keep coming, however, which could open the door for the Vikings to jump up and host a game in the first round if they can win out and overtake them. The Bears, on the other hand, have already been eliminated from postseason contention.
In the second game, the Las Vegas Raiders will host the Atlanta Falcons. The Raiders have already been eliminated from the playoffs, too, and they're in a battle with the New York Giants for the No. 1 overall draft pick. If they lose on Monday night, they'll regain that spot.
Meanwhile, the Falcons are trying to snap a four-game losing skid. They’ve dropped to 6-7 and have fallen behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC South race. A win on Monday would go a long way in their attempt at making it to the playoffs for the first time since the 2017 season, though they'll need a much better Kirk Cousins to do so. The veteran has thrown eight interceptions over their losing skid, including six in the last two weeks.
How to watch Monday Night Football
Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings
When: 8 p.m. ET
Where: U.S. Bank Stadium | Minneapolis
TV: ABC
BetMGM lines: Minnesota -7, O/U 43.5
Atlanta Falcons at Las Vegas Raiders
When: 8:30 p.m. ET
Where: Allegiant Stadium | Las Vegas
TV: ESPN
BetMGM lines: Atlanta -6, O/U 44.5
Live49 updates
Touchdown, Bears
It took until fourth down, but Caleb Williams just hit Keenan Allen for a 16-yard reception. The Vikings' lead is now 27-12 after a failed two-point conversion with about 5 minutes left.
Caleb Williams with a dart to Keenan Allen for the TD!
📺: #CHIvsMIN on ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus & ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/G5aP18Rxzm— NFL (@NFL) December 17, 2024
- Ryan Young
Falcons-Raiders: Desmond Ridder throws an awful INT
Desmond Ridder just threw an awful interception for the Raiders, and Atlanta will take back over here midway through the fourth.
The @AtlantaFalcons defense comes up with the pick!
📺: #ATLvsLV on ESPN
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/iXetVr4V9z— NFL (@NFL) December 17, 2024
- Ryan Young
Bears-Vikings: Chicago with a massive blocked punt
The Bears just blocked a punt, and Robinson completely trucked Wright in the process. It was a legal block, as he got it clean before making contact, and the Bears will take over now in great field position with about 6 minutes left.
The @ChicagoBears with the blocked punt!
📺: #CHIvsMIN on ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus & ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/FA127AOFp2— NFL (@NFL) December 17, 2024
- Ryan Young
Falcons-Raiders: A rough night for Las Vegas
Well, this isn't great...
An almost unbelievable stat just shown on the broadcast: it’s the 4th quarter and Raiders wide receivers have combined for zero catches.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) December 17, 2024
- Ryan Young
Falcons extend their lead
The Falcons' drive stalled out there, but they extended their lead after a 48-yard field goal from Younghoe Koo. They're up 15-3 now early in the fourth quarter.
- Ryan Young
Touchdown, Vikings
After a pass interference penalty, Cam Akers punched in a 1-yard touchdown run to extend the Vikings' lead.
They're up 27-6 now in the fourth quarter, and this one should be about finished.
Cam Akers adds to the @Vikings lead!
📺: #CHIvsMIN on ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus & ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/11BXUXwsw0— NFL (@NFL) December 17, 2024
- Jason Owens
Can Falcons add to their lead?
The Falcons have the ball back near midfield late in the third quarter after forcing another Raiders punt. Can they convert the good field position into points? A touchdown would almost certainly put the game out of reach. Atlanta leads, 12-3.
- Ryan Young
Vikings 20, Bears 6
Caleb Williams took a massive hit there on third down, and the Bears had to settle for a field goal. The Vikings' lead is down to 14 now with 13 minutes remaining.
- Ryan Young
Bears-Vikings: Keenan Allen with a wild grab
Keenan Allen somehow hauled this in, and the Bears are finally moving here to start the fourth quarter.
Keenan Allen keepin' the feet in!
📺: #CHIvsMIN on ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus & ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/vgYyQuTSeu— NFL (@NFL) December 17, 2024
- Jason Owens
Falcons punt again
The Raiders have the ball against their own goal at the 3-yard line after another Falcons punt. Atlanta still leads 12-3 with 4:15 remaining in the third quarter.
- Jason Owens
Raiders punt, successfully this time
The Raiders stalled at midfield and punted back to the Falcons. This time there was no blocked punt. Atlanta takes over at its own 8-yard line, holding a 12-3 lead midway through the third quarter.
- Ryan Young
Bears-Vikings: Aaron Jones TD
The Vikings capped their long 12-play drive with a 1-yard touchdown run from Aaron Jones, and they're suddenly up 20-3 now late in the third quarter.
Sam Darnold set up that touchdown run with a perfect shot to Justin Jefferson at the goal line.
This Sam Darnold throw is the definition of a DIME 🤯 pic.twitter.com/4BegUyBJ60
— NFL (@NFL) December 17, 2024
- Jason Owens
Falcons settle for FG after starting at Las Vegas 37
Atlanta gained just 15 yards after taking over possession at the Las Vegas 37-yard line after a blocked punt. Kirk Cousins was off target on third-and-9, and Younghoe Koo was good from 40 yards to extend the Falcons lead to 12-3.
- Jason Owens
Raiders allow blocked punt after failing to capitalize on turnover
The Raiders, of course, did not take advantage of the interception. They instead lost 12 yards on three plays then allowed their second blocked punt of the night. The Falcons take over in great field position yet again, this time at the Las Vegas 37. Will they do anything with it?
The @AtlantaFalcons special teams comes up big with the block punt!
📺: #ATLvsLV on ESPN
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/dpKQ4WqVjR— NFL (@NFL) December 17, 2024
- Ian Casselberry
Bears-Vikings: Chicago settles for field goal after touchdown taken away
The Bears are on the board with a 29-yard Cairo Santos field goal. But they had a touchdown taken away on an illegal substitution play.
Replay also showed that the officials missed a facemask penalty on the Vikings during Caleb Williams' incomplete pass on 3rd-and-goal.
Caleb Williams had his facemask grabbed on this play-- no flag was thrown and the Bears settle for a field goal. pic.twitter.com/A9HRqgYhOP
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulliNFL) December 17, 2024
- Ian Casselberry
Bears-Vikings: Chicago TD wiped out by illegal substitution
D'Andre Swift appeared to have a 1-yard touchdown run for the Bears. But the score was nullified by an illegal substitution penalty in which Kiran Amegadjie did not report as eligible. (Paging Dan Skipper!)
- Jason Owens
Falcons blow good field position again on Kirk Cousins pick
The Falcons started the second half at their own 45 after a 38-yard kickoff return. Then they promptly gave the ball back to the Raiders. Kirk Cousins threw an interception to Robert Spillane on the first play from scrimmage of the third quarter, and the Raiders have the ball near midfield.
Highway robbery 💰#ATLvsLV | 📺 ESPN pic.twitter.com/0PNdk23wmw
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) December 17, 2024
- Ian Casselberry
Bears-Vikings: Chicago on the move
The Bears are driving toward a score after a 29-yard pass from Caleb Williams to Rome Odunze.
The rookie connection 🎯
📺: #CHIvsMIN on ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus & ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/XwNRHGXVyw— NFL (@NFL) December 17, 2024
- Jason Owens
Halftime stats: Falcons 9, Raiders 3
This is not a well-played football game. Drake London's the only bright spot for either team. His 30-yard scoring grab is the only touchdown so far as the Falcons take a 9-3 lead into halftime.
Three other Falcons drives that advanced to Raiders territory ended in punts. The Raiders, meanwhile, are doing nothing with the ball when the Falcons give it back to them. Their offense has netted one point with a field goal and a safety taken.
Here are the halftime stats:
Kirk Cousins: 7 of 9 for 84 yards, 1 touchdown, 0 turnovers, 2 sacks taken
Desmond Ridder: 7 of 11 for 59 yards, 0 touchdowns or turnovers, 1 sack takenBijan Robinson: 10 carries for 58 yards
Alexander Mattison: 4 carries for 5 yards, 1 fumble, tackled for safetyDrake London: 2 catches for 48 yards, 1 touchdown
Brock Bowers: 3 catches for 35 yardsFalcons total offense: 128 yards on 4.9 yards per play
Raiders total offense: 80 yards on 2.9 yards per playFalcons turnovers: 0
Raiders turnovers: 1 + a safety taken - Ian Casselberry
Bears-Vikings: Minnesota goes 3-and-out
Minnesota goes 3-and-out on its opening drive of the second half, perhaps still dazed by the Vanilla Ice halftime performance.
Ryan Wright punts for the first time in the game. Chicago takes over at its 20 after a 55-yard punt and 10-yard illegal block above the waist penalty on Terell Smith.
- Jason Owens
Falcons punt after advancing to Raiders territory
Another Falcons possession that advanced to Raiders territory ends without points. The Falcons punt from midfield after a third-down sack of Kirk Cousins, and the Raiders have a chance to cut into their 9-3 deficit before halftime.
- Jason Owens
Word to your mother
Meanwhile in Minnesota. ... The Vikings have dusted off Vanilla Ice for their halftime show. It's apparently part of their ice theme tonight that includes a whiteout on the field and in the stands.
Enjoy:
34 years since this jam dropped.
If there was a problem, this dude SOLVED it.#WordToYourMother pic.twitter.com/uobjJwWyHf— Dan Wiederer (@danwiederer) December 17, 2024
- Jason Owens
Falcons stuff Alexander Mattison for safety, 9-3 lead
Alexander Mattison is having a rough night. He lost a fumble on the Raiders' first possession. And he just got stuffed for a 1-yard loss for a safety after the Falcons pinned the Raiders against their own goal line on a punt. Falcons take a 9-3 lead and possession with 5:35 remaining before halftime.
Defense, party of TWO ‼️
ESPN | NFL+ pic.twitter.com/v9dQmoYFyo— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) December 17, 2024
- Ian Casselberry
Halftime: Vikings 13, Bears 0
Chicago
Caleb Williams 7/9, 59 yards
D'Andre Swift 11 rushes, 32 yards
DJ Moore 2 catches, 16 yardsMinnesota
Sam Darnold 15/24, 145 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Aaron Jones 7 rushes, 29 yards
Jordan Addison 6 catches, 58 yards* Cam Robinson, 3 penalties
- Jason Owens
Do Falcons not trust Younghoe Koo?
The Falcons had a look at a 56-yard field goal, which is a standard go in today's NFL — especially in the friendly kicking confines of the domed Allegiant Field at 2,000 feet above sea level.
They lined up for a Younghoe Koo kick, but didn't snap the ball. They instead attempted to draw the Raiders offside. Las Vegas didn't bite, and the Falcons took a delay-of-game penalty before punting back to the Raiders.
A former Pro Bowler, Koo's been dealing with a hip injury and has converted a career-low 74.2% of his field goal attempts this season including a 6-of-9 effort from 50-plus yards.
- Ian Casselberry
Bears-Vikings: Minnesota takes 13-0 lead on field goal
Minnesota had 2:35 to drive toward a score after taking over on downs. The Vikings then grinded out an 13-play drive going 58 yards.
Sam Darnold missed T.J. Hockenson in the end zone on 3rd-and-5 from the Chicago 13, forcing Minnesota to settle for a field goal.
Will Reichard makes a 31-yard kick to give the Vikings a 13–0 lead with four seconds remaining in the first half.
- Jason Owens
Desmond Ridder deep shot misses mark
Desmond Ridder took a rare shot downfield, but overthrew Brock Bowers on third-and-10. Daniel Carlson hits a 52-yard field goal to cut the Falcons' lead to 7-3 early in the second quarter.
- Ian Casselberry
Bears-Vikings: Chicago stopped again on 4th down
Chicago gets bailed out by a running into the kicker penalty on Trent Sherfield on 4th-and-2.
From there, the Bears drive 42 yards in nine plays to the Vikings' 29.
But again on 4th down, Chicago goes for it and is stuffed. D'Andre Swift gets stopped and the Bears turn it over on downs.
Another 4th down stop for the @Vikings!
📺: #CHIvsMIN on ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus & ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/sSXf9B6xgo— NFL (@NFL) December 17, 2024
- Jason Owens
Falcons strike first on deep ball from Kirk Cousins to Drake London
Atlanta took advantage of good field position this time. Kirk Cousins found Drake London running wide open down the right sideline for a 30-yard touchdown. Blown coverage by Raiders cornerback Jack Jones let London break free. 7-0, Falcons with 14 seconds left in the first quarter.
Prime time Drake 🔥#ProBowlVote x @DrakeLondon_
ESPN | NFL+ pic.twitter.com/KzZ0xyT6PD— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) December 17, 2024
- Jason Owens
Falcons in good field position after tipped punt
The Falcons will start the second of two drives near midfield after tipping a Raiders punt that traveled just 30 yards. They'll start their second possession at their own 49-yard line. Will they score this time?
OK, RED 😤#ProBowlVote x KhaDarel Hodge
ESPN | NFL+ pic.twitter.com/CyFcgx9WiM— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) December 17, 2024
- Ian Casselberry
Bears-Vikings: Sam Darnold intercepted
Vikings were driving toward a score and go for it on 4th-and-3 from the Bears' 23-yard line. But Sam Darnold is intercepted by Tyrique Stevenson at the 15.
Minnesota goes for it on 4th down... The @ChicagoBears had some interception plans
📺: #CHIvsMIN on ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus & ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/Yldc3NN7X3— NFL (@NFL) December 17, 2024
Chicago takes over at its 16 after the turnover.
- Jason Owens
Sack of Kirk Cousins knocks Falcons out of FG range
Two bad teams are playing the part so far in Las Vegas. The Falcons were in field goal range after securing a fumble in Raiders territory. But Kirk Cousins took a third-down sack that knocked them out of range, and the Falcons punted instead of scoring points. 0-0 in Vegas after opening possessions for each team.
The @Raiders get pressure on 3rd down for the sack!
📺: #ATLvsLV on ESPN
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/0DtnsUdGZs— NFL (@NFL) December 17, 2024
- Jason Owens
Raiders turn it over
Las Vegas' good fortune didn't last long. Raiders running back Alexander Mattison fumbled in Las Vegas territory, and the Falcons recovered the ball near midfield. Falcons take over possession at the Las Vegas 48.
FUMBLE! The @AtlantaFalcons fall on the loose ball.
📺: #ATLvsLV on ESPN
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/GQIxRTU71M— NFL (@NFL) December 17, 2024
- Ian Casselberry
Bears-Vikings: Aaron Jones makes a play on 3rd-and-17
A false start on Cam Robinson pushes Minnesota back to a 3rd-and-17, but Aaron Jones gets the first down after catching a short pass from Sam Darnold.
The Vikings have a 1st-and-10 at their 30-yard line as the first quarter ends.
- Jason Owens
Radiers gamble in own territory win
Bad teams with lost seasons are throwing caution to the wind tonight. The Bears went for it on fourth down in their own territory on their first drive and didn't convert. The Raiders just did the same, but made a first down on a fourth-and-1 run by Desmond Ridder from their own 37. A new set of downs for Las Vegas.
- Ian Casselberry
Bears-Vikings: Caleb Williams nearly picked off
Harrison Smith nearly picks off Caleb Williams trying to hit Rome Odunze over the middle on 3rd-and-7.
Harrison Smith read Caleb Williams all the way here. Nearly intercepted. pic.twitter.com/abmrmqhsc5
— Dave (@dave_bfr) December 17, 2024
After a 48-yard punt from Tory Taylor, Minnesota takes over at its 9-yard line.
- Jason Owens
Desmond Ridder ready to take field vs. former team
We'll see Desmond Ridder soon. The second MNF game about to kick off. The Falcons won the toss and deferred. Ridder will lead the Raiders offense first in his first start for Las Vegas against a Falcons team he started for in 2022 and 2023.
- Ian Casselberry
Bears-Vikings: Justin Jefferson shouts out Randy Moss after TD catch
"WE LOVE YOU RANDY!" 🫶 @RandyMoss pic.twitter.com/6qS4kScTzC
— NFL (@NFL) December 17, 2024
- Ian Casselberry
Bears-Vikings: Darnold to Jefferson for TD
The Vikings capitalize on Caleb Williams' fumble with a 39-yard drive finished off by a Sam Darnold 7-yard TD pass to Justin Jefferson.
Darnold. Jefferson. SIX.
📺: #CHIvsMIN on ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus & ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/yxeaGOD4HS— NFL (@NFL) December 17, 2024
Minnesota now leads 10–0 with 5:04 left in the first quarter.
- Ian Casselberry
Bears-Vikings: Opening coin toss with Randy Moss tribute
Here's a full look at Jake Reed and Cris Carter holding up a Randy Moss jersey to midfield for the opening coin toss.
You're with us tonight, 84 💜#LetsMossCancer pic.twitter.com/ZVjoFqxLUp
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 17, 2024
- Ian Casselberry
Bears-Vikings: Caleb Williams gets sacked and fumbles
On 3rd-and-9 from the Bears' 39, Caleb WIlliams is sacked by Jonathan Greenard and fumbles. Blake Cashman recovers the turnover and returns it 17 yards.
Jonathan Greenard with the strip sack! @Vikings take the ball back.
📺: #CHIvsMIN on ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus & ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/RLpDjRaUHf— NFL (@NFL) December 17, 2024
- Ian Casselberry
Bears-Vikings: Minnesota takes 3-0 lead
Following the Bears turning it over on downs, the Vikings take over. Sam Darnold throws two incompletions after a 5-yard gain by Aaron Jones and have to settle for a field goal.
Will Reichard kicks a 52-yarder to give Minnesota a 3–0 lead.
- Ian Casselberry
Bears-Vikings: Chicago stopped on 4th down
The Bears took the field first on offense and got to a 4th-and-1 on their 39. Chicago decided to go for it, but D'Andre Swift was stopped on a toss play to the left.
The @Vikings get the early 4th down stop!
📺: #CHIvsMIN on ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus & ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/Nb6IPCAui5— NFL (@NFL) December 17, 2024
- Ian Casselberry
Bears-Vikings: Honorary captains pay tribute to Randy Moss
Former Vikings receivers Jake Reed and Cris Carter are honorary captains for tonight's coin toss. As they walked to midfield, the duo held up a Randy Moss No. 84 jersey in tribute to their teammate.
Jake Reed and Cris Carter holding up a Randy Moss jersey #ThreeDeep #LetsMossCancer pic.twitter.com/heI4n2Fa56
— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) December 17, 2024
Moss recently announced that he is battling cancer and took leave from his TV work on ESPN's "Sunday Night Countdown."
- Ian Casselberry
Bears-Vikings: Minnesota won 1st meeting in Week 12
Tonight's matchup is the second of the season between NFC North rivals. The Vikings won their first clash in Week 12, 30–27, in overtime.
VIKINGS WIN IN OVERTIME pic.twitter.com/2KieGMIIbq
— NFL (@NFL) November 24, 2024
Minnesota had a 27–13 lead with 1:53 remaining in regulation. But Deandre Carter's 55-yard kickoff return led the Bears to a touchdown (and 2-point conversion) with 22 seconds left. Chicago recovered an onside kick and Cairo Santos kicked the game-tying field goal as time expired.
The Bears won the coin toss in overtime but went 3-and-out on their first possession. The Vikings took over and drove 10 plays for the game-winning field goal from Parker Romo.
Caleb Williams threw for 340 yards and 2 TDs for Chicago, while Sam Darnold passed for 330 yards and 2 scores.
- Jason Owens
Desmond Ridder will be the third starting quarterback for the Raiders this season following injuries to Gardner Minshew and Aidan O'Connell. He's completed 28 of 44 passes for 239 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions in four games of relief work.
- Jason Owens
Falcons inactives are in
There are no surprises of note among the Falcons inactives:
Full list of Inactives from Las Vegas
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) December 17, 2024
- Jason Owens
Aidan O'Connell inactive for Raiders; Desmond Ridder will start at QB vs. Falcons
Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell is officially inactive and listed as the emergency third quarterback against the Falcons, meaning that Desmond Ridder will get the start. O'Connell suffered a bone bruise in his left knee last week and was considered questionable leading up to Monday's game.
Inactives for #ATLvsLV pic.twitter.com/2jtvoXyML4
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) December 17, 2024
- Ryan Young
Vikings-Bears Inactives
Monday night's #Vikings inactives pic.twitter.com/Qk06el8pqe
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 16, 2024
Inactives for #CHIvsMIN: pic.twitter.com/5sC1Fuu75l
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) December 16, 2024