Jan 8, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (87) walks off the field after the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports.
It looked like Chicago’s offensive coaching change was going to have the desired effect as they lined up a game-winning field goal against Green Bay in Week 11. Alas, the FG was blocked, and Chicago fell to its sixth defeat of the season. Minnesota travels to the windy city next, so we take a look at what the Vikings can expect from the Bears in Week 12. The Chicago team needs a win to keep its season alive.
Not long ago, there was talk of the possibility of all four NFC North teams making the playoffs. That always seemed improbable, with at least one team likely to fall away. That team has been the Bears, who have lost their last four games to slip from a 4-2 to a 4-6 record. The remaining schedule is extremely tough, including the Vikings (twice), Lions (twice), Packers, 49ers, and Seahawks.
Any optimism that the Bears can make the playoffs for the first time since 2020 seems to have seeped out of Chicago, and they now face the prospect of finishing bottom of the division for the third straight season. The final wildcard place is not completely out of reach for the Bears, but it does look a long way off. They need to win this weekend and put together an unlikely string of wins just to stand a chance. The important thing for the rest of this season is the development of rookie QB Caleb Williams in the Chicago offense.
The Bears failed to score a passing touchdown for the fourth straight game despite the change at offensive coordinator, but the offense did have more spark against the Packers. Williams completed 23 of 31 pass attempts for 231 yards while also rushing for 70 yards on 9 attempts. The Bears managed to get all their receivers reasonably well involved, something they’ve struggled to do this season. D’Andre Swift was also running the ball at 5.1 yards per carry.
It all added up to the Bears’ offense doing enough to set up a game-winning field goal attempt at the end of the fourth quarter. Cairo Santos saw his kick blocked, and the Packers won the game, which was a bitter blow for the Bears. However, the offense showed enough promise to have at least some confidence in better times ahead as their rookie QB grows into his role.
The Bears’ defense is still one of the stronger units in the league. They allow just 18.7 points per game, while the Vikings allow 17.0 points per game, so don’t expect a high-scoring affair on Sunday. Chicago has a particularly strong passing defense led by CB Jaylon Johnson, one of the NFC North’s star players. Chicago only allows 197.4 passing yards per game. Out in the elements at Soldier Field, the Bears’ defense is sure to make this a tough game for the Vikings.
This will be the Vikings’ first look at Williams. The first overall pick from this year is having an up-and-down season—as you’d probably expect from a rookie. However, he has the talent to make things happen even if he hasn’t yet found consistency. He will be helped by what looks on paper a formidable trio of wide receivers, including DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, and Rome Odunze, as well as TE Cole Kmet.
On defense, in addition to Johnson patrolling the perimeter, Chicago has veteran safety Kevin Byard in the secondary this year. The two-time first-team All-Pro has been as good as ever this season. Montez Sweat will provide the primary pass-rush threat from the edge.
The Vikings lead the series 66-58-2 since the two teams started playing each other when Minnesota joined the league in 1961. Chicago won the last meeting by a 12-10 scoreline at US Bank Stadium, which snapped a five-game winning streak for the Vikings. Minnesota has won the last four games at Soldier Field. Should they win on Sunday, they will equal their best run of wins at Chicago between 1996 and 2000. Between those two winning streaks, the Vikings have a 3-16 record on the road at Chicago. This is why it feels like a place where the Vikings don’t do well, despite the most recent favorable results.
The latest Vikings/Bears rivalry chapter will play out at Soldier Field at 1:00 PM ET.