3 Daring Predictions for Vikings vs. Bears
The Minnesota Vikings have already won two division games in the NFC North this season, and they’re hoping to make it three this Sunday. These are bold predictions for that event.
Three daring predictions for the Minnesota Vikings’ matchup with the Bears, offering sharp reads on how this divisional test might unfold in Week 11.
The Vikings face a do-or-die situation in Week 11. Otherwise, an emotional elimination from the postseason could be on the table.
Bold Takes for Bears at Vikings in Week 11
Calling our shots in the third division game of the season.
1. Dallas Turner Erupts
When Andrew Van Ginkel spent time on the shelf this season, Turner took over a starter’s job and held his own throughout. He was not totally spectacular, but he’s also just 22 years old.
This time, Turner will fill in for Jonathan Greenard, who has a different role than Van Ginkel. Greenard purely rushes the passer and stuffs the run; Van Ginkel is moved around like a versatile linebacker. Turner might be better suited for the Greenard role, similar to Nik Bonitto in Denver.
Turner will thrive in Greenard’s absence, allowed to rush Caleb Williams at will. He will log at least one sack — probably multiple — and the mystery of how to deploy Turner henceforth will be solved.
The NFL fined Turner this week for a roughing the passer penalty on Lamar Jackson last weekend. Not everyone was thrilled by the flag and fine.
A to Z Sports‘ Tyler Forness opined, “It’s already crazy enough that the body weight rule exists, but to also fine him for what looked like a standard tackle that would be praised by every coach if it happened anywhere else on the field is a little bit ridiculous. As Turner said, he’s already appealed the decision, but it’s ridiculous that he got penalized and fined for a good tackle.”
“The reason why things should be different is due to intent. There wasn’t any intent from Turner to hurt Jackson, and that should matter here, but it’s the NFL, so it doesn’t. This would be Turner’s second fine of the year, as he also got fined for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Justin Herbert against the Los Angeles Chargers. The NFL should change the rule and fast because this is crazy.”
2. Justin Jefferson Spouts Off for 175 Yards
For the first time in his career, at least per the eye test, Justin Jefferson produced a bad game. Against the Baltimore Ravens, he looks disengaged, frustrated, and borderline aloof.
Well, the greats bounce back from showings like that — and Jefferson is one of the greats. It’s not all that debatable.
With his team’s season on the line — the Vikings cannot afford to sink to 4-6 in a conference that has nine teams with records at .500 or better — Jefferson will reemerge in his true form. J.J. McCarthy will feed him throughout the afternoon, resulting in 175 yards or more and at least one touchdown.
Chicago Sun-Times’ Jason Lieser on Jefferson this Sunday: “Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson said Thursday he wants to get back to ‘Year 3 Jets,’ meaning his jaw-dropping 2022 season in which he caught 128 passes for 1,809 yards and eight touchdowns to win Offensive Player of the Year. That could be scary for the Bears on Sunday.”
“The Bears will have to deal with that without their top two cornerbacks and possibly some other key defenders. At corner, Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon are on injured reserve, and Tyrique Stevenson is playing through a shoulder injury. Safety Jaquan Brisker was out of practice because of a back injury. Jefferson is on pace for his sixth consecutive 1,000-yard season to open his career. He has 51 receptions (13th in the NFL), 686 yards (eighth) and two touchdowns.”
Jefferson will get revenge on himself.
3. Vikings Intercept Caleb Williams at Least Twice
When the 2024 season wrapped up, Vikings fans looked at the end-of-season numbers and noticed that the club pulled in a staggering 24 interceptions on defense. The astounding figure propelled the Vikings to 14 wins.
Well, the same defense, with a few different faces, has three picks through nine games. Just three.
The Vikings are wildly overdue to force more turnovers, and they will grab multiple interceptions from Williams on Sunday accordingly. Williams is developing in real time, but he’s not immune to interceptions.
Byron Murphy Jr. gets one. Josh Metellus snags the other.
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