Vikings vs. Bears: What to know ahead of Week 15 matchup
This is an opportunity for the Vikings to clinch a playoff berth, if they haven’t already done that by the time they step on the field.
What to know when the Vikings host the Chicago Bears on Sunday night:
- Vikings vs. Bears
- When: 7 p.m. Monday
- Where: U.S. Bank Stadium
- TV: ABC
- Radio: KFAN
- Line: Vikings -7
- Over/Under: 43.5
Keys for the Vikings
— The last time the Vikings played the Bears, they put up 452 yards of total offense, taking advantage of the fact that star receiver Justin Jefferson was facing double coverage more often than not. Though it’s unclear what type of defense the Vikings will face in primetime, they should be able to move the ball regardless because of the number of playmakers they have on offense.
— A big reason the Vikings had success the last time they played the Bears was their ability to stop the run. They managed to limit running back D’Andre Swift every time he touched the ball, which, in turn, made everything more challenging for rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. If the Vikings can follow a similar script this time around, they will have pretty good chance of winning the game.
Keys for the Bears
— The best game Williams has played to date came the last time the Bears played the Vikings. He completed 32 of 47 passes for 340 yards and a pair of touchdowns, making countless plays with his legs and with his arm, and proving why he was selected with the No. 1 overall pick. It would be wise for interim head coach Thomas Brown to lean into everything Williams can do on the field.
— With as impressive as quarterback Sam Darnold has been for the Vikings as of late, the Bears need to find a way to generate pressure to make him uncomfortable. That could be easier said than done based on Darnold’s mobility in and out of the pocket. If he’s able to escape, he’s proven he make plays off schedule. That’s why the Bears need to be disciplined with their pass rush whenever they go after him.