The Chicago Bears (1-4) will face the Minnesota Vikings (1-4) on Sunday, where Chicago is looking to build on their first win of the season.
The Bears are coming off an encouraging 40-20 win over the Washington Commanders (2-4), where quarterback Justin Fields stacked solid performances and connected early and often with No. 1 receiver DJ Moore. The defense also had its best performance of the season, and the hope is the team can build on their performance heading into a favorable stretch of their schedule.
Before Sunday’s game against Minnesota, we caught up with managing editor Tyler Forness of Vikings Wire to get the scoop on the Bears’ Week 6 opponent.
Here are five questions with Vikings Wire:
1
The Vikings won a lot of their one-score games last season. Why hasn’t Minnesota been able to close out these close games this year?
Tyler Forness: It’s all been about discipline. From their 12 turnovers and negative nine turnover differential to costly penalties and time management, they have gone from situational masters to a disaster in the same realm. Nobody thought last season was something that could be duplicated, but the script completely flipping was something that nobody saw coming.
2
Is it safe to say Kirk Cousins isn’t the future at quarterback for the Vikings?
TF: As of right now, the answer is yes. Things could change, especially when they go back to the negotiating table after the season. It’s blatant that the Vikings want to find the quarterback of the future and Cousins isn’t it from a long term sense. However, he could be that guy for one or two more seasons while they find or develop that guy.
3
What’s the impact of losing star receiver Justin Jefferson? Who do you expect to step up in his absence?
TF: I’m intrigued by this question. The mere presence of Jefferson impacts the way teams defend the Vikings especially with coverages. Without that type of threat, I fully expect to see more basic coverages out there which will prove to be a challenge for Jordan Addison, who is the likely player to step up in his absence. He was shut out against the Panthers, but has a touchdown in three of the other four games. How Addison will handle being the top option on the outside will show a lot about his development.
4
Where can the Bears offense exploit the Vikings defense?
TF: It’s about Justin Fields staying disciplined against the blitz. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores loves to blitz to get his pressure. The Vikings lead the league in three man and 5+ man pressures while being last in four man pressures. Justin Herbert was blitzed 80% of the time and torched the Vikings by getting the ballout quickly to his receivers. If Fields can take advantage of the blitz in the same way, it could propel the Bears to a win.
5
What’s your score prediction for the game?
TF: Make no mistake, this is a make or break game for both teams. If they want a chance to make the playoffs, this is a must-win. 1-5 means you are almost certainly out of the playoffs while 2-4 gives you a sliver of hope.
The Vikings will have to do so without Justin Jefferson who hit injured reserve earlier this week. With defenses about to change how they operate by not having to rotate coverage, that could complicate how the Vikings attack down the field. The Bears don’t have enough talent to keep up with everything the Vikings will throw at them, but it will be closer than some might think. Vikings 27, Bears 21
