The Minnesota Vikings are facing a pivotal game in week six against their NFC North division rival Chicago Bears on Sunday afternoon.
It’s a huge game for the Vikings and Bears, as they both sit at 1-4 and a loss will crater their playoff chances. Both teams had aspirations of a playoff berth but it hasn’t looked like it’s going to happen to this point.
Despite their record, the underlying metrics for the Vikings look good. They have played good football outside of their 12 turnovers and -9 turnover differential. That fact gives them a glimmer of hope for a potential playoff berth.
Going into Sunday’s game, these four players are going to be major factors in the Vikings getting a win.
Managing Editor Tyler Forness: OLB Marcus Davenport
The Vikings’ pass rush has been relatively inconsistent this season. Ever since Marcus Davenport came back to the team from his ankle injury, the pass rush has improved. His seven pressures and 2.0 sacks over the last two games have made a major difference in the Vikings defense. What sets him apart is his rare combination of size and athleticism. It also allows Brian Flores to use him in multiple ways, including with his hand in the dirt on the interior. Taking advantage of a subpar Bears offensive line will be the key to getting a win.
Columnist Judd Zulgad: WR Jordan Addison
The rookie will be asked to take over as the Vikings’ top wide receiver – no matter what the team tells you about K.J. Osborn – with Justin Jefferson on injured reserve because of a hamstring injury. Addison, the Vikings’ first-round pick last April, had a team-high six catches for 64 yards and a touchdown in Sunday’s loss to Kansas City. There are areas of Addison’s game that need improvement, but he doesn’t look like a rookie when running routes or catching the ball and Jefferson’s absence is going to make him a target that Kirk Cousins should be going to on a frequent basis. The Bears’ pass defense is giving up 286 yards per game, second-worst in the NFL, and Addison should be one of the primary beneficiaries of that weakness.
Columnist Saivion Mixson: CB Byron Murphy Jr.
On national television, D.J. Moore exposed the Washington Commanders’ defense to the tune of eight receptions, 230 yards and three touchdowns. The only Bear to gain more yards was Alshon Jeffrey in a 12-catch, 249-yard losing effort against the Minnesota Vikings in overtime in 2013. If Minnesota wants a shot at winning this game, they can’t have Moore running roughshod on this defense. There’s too many opportunities with the aggressive nature of Flores and his philosophy.
Byron Murphy, Jr. did not have a good game against the Kansas City Chiefs, allowing two red zone scores. He has a chance to redeem himself against a red-hot Chicago passing attack to prove that he is the CB1 the Vikings expected when he signed back in March.
Columnist Chris Spooner: TE T.J. Hockenson
With star wide receiver Justin Jefferson hitting IR and missing at least the next four weeks, and the running game still struggling, the Vikings are going to need someone to step up in the passing game. They’re going to have some major shoes to fill, as Jefferson was on pace to shatter the single-season receiving record. A lot of eyes are going to be on rookie wide receiver Jordan Addison to step up, but my eyes are on TJ Hockenson. Since coming to Minnesota, Hockenson has carved out a nice role as Kirk Cousin’s safety valve, and effectively their #2 target in a high-powered offense. Now that the #1 target has gone down, can Hockenson step up his game and be the primary go-to for Cousins? He should have a favorable matchup this week, so we’ll see just how committed to the pass the Vikings still are, and how much Hockenson can up his game in Jefferson’s absence.
