Vikings grind out 17-9 win over depleted Bears in Chicago

Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson caught a touchdown pass from Kirk Cousins in the first quarter Monday night.CHICAGO — The Vikings' annual trip to Soldier Field rarely seems to go smoothly. Monday's game with the Bears was no exception.

They came away with a 17-9 victory to get to 7-7, but it was not a performance to brag about.

Minnesota built a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter thanks to the Bears losing three fumbles and rookie quarterback Justin Fields failing to make timely throws.

But the Bears' depleted defense cracked down on Justin Jefferson, quarterback Kirk Cousins passed for just career-low 87 yards, and Dalvin Cook was held to 89 on the ground. Chicago's 31st-ranked…