Will Vikings continue cover streak vs. Bears? | Panthers fire Frank Reich

Happy Monday, sports fans.

Week 12 of the NFL season wraps up on Monday night with the Vikings hosting the Bears. In addition, we have a five-game NBA slate as well as some college basketball action. Consider this a sneak preview for the type of expert analysis and insight you will receive as a SportsLine subscriber.

• Starting pitcher Sonny Gray signed a three-year, $75 million deal with the Cardinals.
• Patriots coach Bill Belichick called a rumor that he has another job lined up for next season "ridiculous."
• The Braves are interested in signing free agent starting pitcher Dylan Cease.

All times Eastern |Game odds via SportsLineconsensus

PANTHERS FIRE COACH FRANK REICH

The second half of the 2023 NFL campaign is well underway, and many teams are evaluating their future. On Monday, the Panthers decided to make a change on their sideline and fired coach Frank Reich after just 11 games with the team. Special teams coordinator Chris Tabor will serve as the team's interim coach following Reich's departure. The Panthers also fired associate head coach and running backs coach Duce Staley and quarterbacks coach Josh McCown.

Here's more from Tyler Sullivan and Garrett Podell on what contributed to Reich's firing:

• "The firing comes in the aftermath of Carolina falling to Tennessee on Sunday 17-10. That loss dropped the franchise to a league-worst 1-10 record on the season. Throughout the year, the Panthers have been among the worst in theNFLin essentially every statistical category, particularly on offense. They are averaging 15.7 points per game (29th) and 4.1 yards per play (tied for last), and are converting 37.2% of their third-down opportunities (20th)."
  

Bears at Vikings, 8:15 p.m. | TV: ESPN

• The Pick: Vikings -3 (-109)
• Key trend: The Vikings are 6-0 ATS in their last six games.

SportsLine expert Micah Roberts is 15-4-1 in his last 20 NFL picks.

"The Vikings have won the last five meetings with the Bears and covered the spread in four of them. The Bears come off a spirited loss at Detroit while the Vikings just had a five-game win streak snapped against the surging Broncos. But the Vikings covered in a 21-20 loss. That's six straight covers and QB Josh Dobbs is getting the job done again. He runs with a purpose and throws the ball accurately downfield. My money today is on Dobbs and the Vikings. I ask this question, the spread indicates both teams are almost equal on a neutral field, do you believe they're equal? Vikings to cover."

Here's what else SportsLine is saying about the game:The Projection Model has "B" picks on the spread, moneyline, and total, while more experts have picks on the game.Get one week of picks from SportsLine completely free with the promo codeNEWSLETTER*

Pelicans at Jazz, 9 p.m. | TV: NBA TV

• The Projection: Under 230 (-110) | Grade: B -- Moderate

SportsLine's Projection Model has "B" grades on the spread, moneyline, and total for the contest. The under has a 5-1 record over the Pelicans' last six games, so we'll side with that trend in this spot.

SportsLine expert picks: Our staff has combed through the Monday night NBA slate and offered their best plays as the season continues.Get one week of picks from SportsLine completely free with the promo codeNEWSLETTER*

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