Vikings (1-4) at Bears (1-4)
Sunday, 1 p.m. EDT, Soldier Field, Chicago
TV: Fox
Spread (BetMGM):
Vikings by 3
Vikings’ keys to victory: Minnesota might be without its biggest weapon in WR Justin Jefferson, who injured his hamstring against the Chiefs in Week 5. While there’s no replacing Jefferson’s potential loss, QB Kirk Cousins has some other options in WRs K.J. Osborn and rookie Jordan Addison, who have the potential to make big plays against this Chicago secondary. On defense, the Vikings need to generate pressure on QB Justin Fields and prevent him from getting into a comfortable rhythm. Fields has found his confidence in the passing game over the last couple of weeks.
Bears’ keys to victory: Chicago’s offense has exploded over the last two weeks with the dynamic duo of Fields and WR DJ Moore. The Bears need to continue feeding Moore and utilizing his play-making ability both vertically and with yards after the catch. On defense, Chicago needs to do what it was finally able to do against the Commanders: sack the quarterback. The Bears secondary has been battling injuries and should be getting back some key starters, which could help.
Matchup to watch: Vikings’ Jefferson vs. Bears CB Jaylon Johnson. Jefferson’s status is up in the air, but if he plays this is a matchup to watch. Johnson has a tall task of facing one of the NFL’s best receiver, but he’s talented enough to keep up.
Who wins? While the Bears just got their first win in nearly a year (40-20 over the Commanders), they have momentum building while the Vikings might be without their best player.
Bears, 24-23