Through three quarters, it was a rough homecoming for local product J.J. McCarthy. So rough that the Vikings seemed to be destined to lose.

And that’s when destiny took over.

Via NFL NextGenStats, the Vikings had a 7.7-percent chance of winning in Chicago with 1:34 left in the third quarter, while trailing 17-6.

Then came the fourth quarter.

It started on the very first play of the final 15 minutes, when Bears kicker Cairo Santos missed a 50-yard field goal. It continued with a six-play, 60-yard touchdown drive. Then, after a three-and-out, a three-play, 50-yard drive gave Minnesota its first lead of the night.

Throw in another touchdown on a nifty 14-yard run from McCarthy and a late attempt by the Bears to try to force overtime (aided by a brilliant decision to return a kickoff

See Full Page