Who would’ve thought that the Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings game would have such high stakes at this point? After what happened in their first meeting, it genuinely felt like the Bears were dead in the water. Their offense was in shambles. Nick Foles was injured. Matt Nagy had no answers for what was happening to his team. Yet here they are.
Both teams are 6-7 and still in striking distance of that coveted seventh playoff spot. A win puts them on a favorable path to claiming it. A loss basically ends their season. So it’s safe to say this game will be played with a ton of urgency bordering on desperation. A classic case of who will want it more and who executes better.
Here is a breakdown of the backdrop, the matchups, and ultimately what the final result will be.
Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings is playoffs or bust
Storylines:
A defining moment for Mitch Trubisky – It seems rather fitting that this game could decide a lot of fates for Chicago. Especially their quarterback. The Vikings were the first team Trubisky ever started against in his career. He’s started and completed five games against them. To date, he has never posted a passer rating higher than 85.9 and failed to throw a TD pass in three of those games.
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Homefield advantage? – Usually playing in the dome is a huge asset for the Vikings. However, such has not been the case in 2020. The pandemic has kept fans away from the stadium and with them goes the trademark crowd noise. This has allowed opponents to come in and do pretty much what they want. In seven home games this year, the Vikings are 3-4. They’ve allowed 31, 27, and 24 points in the previous three games.
Injuries:
Jaylon Johnson (shoulder) – The rookie cornerback has been tremendous for the Bears all season. A big part of their constantly stiff pass coverage. Losing him to a shoulder issue would be heartbreaking timing considering how dangerous the Vikings passing attack is. Matt Nagy sounded hopeful Johnson can play despite not yet practicing this week.
Kyle Rudolph (foot) – The veteran tight end has been a steady presence for Minnesota for a long time. Injuries though have begun to catch up to him. He has yet to practice this week with a lingering foot injury. This would be a tough loss. Rudolph had a solid performance against the Bears in their first meeting.
Key matchups:
Justin Jefferson vs. Jaylon Johnson – One reason the Bears really hope Johnson can go is due to the prospect of facing Jefferson. He’s been on a hot streak all season and is nearing perhaps the great season ever for a rookie wide receiver. He gave the Bears fits last time with over 130 yards. If they can’t contain him this time, it’ll be a long day.
Cole Kmet vs. Eric Wilson – One thing Trubisky demanded from the coaches when he took over as the starter again was getting Kmet more involved. He had just one catch in the first meeting against Minnesota. Expect that to change. Wilson has been solid in coverage at linebacker but can be had from time to time. Kmet will definitely have the size advantage at 6’6 to 6’1.
X-factors:
David Montgomery – One thing about the Bears offense that has been different in recent weeks is their running game. It’s really come around and Montgomery is the reason why. Minnesota held Chicago to just 41 yards on the ground last time and that was because Montgomery didn’t play. Can he make a difference for them this time around? They certainly intend to find out.
D.J. Wonnum – The pass rush for the Vikings hasn’t really been there a lot this season but they found a way to fluster the Bears constantly last time. Wonnum was a big reason why. He had a sack and three hits on the quarterback in that game. He, along with their exotic blitz packages figure to be used prominently again in this one. Can the newly configured Bears offensive line handle him?
Prediction: Vikings win 26-21
The Chicago Bears are about to face a much more talented and much better-coached opponent than what they’ve dealt with the past two weeks in Detroit and Houston. The Vikings are playing with high stakes just like them and their offense has played much better against proven competition. So unless the Bears offense is up to the challenge, this feels like it will end in heartbreak. Likely on a Trubisky turnover.
