Ali Siddiqui’s Prediction for Vikings-Bears
The 4-5 Minnesota Vikings and 6-3 Chicago Bears will face off Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Minnesota leads the all-time series 69-58-2, including winning eight out of the last nine meetings. In week one, Minnesota came back and won 27-24 at Soldier Field in J.J. McCarthy’s NFL debut.
Ali Siddiqui’s prediction for Vikings-Bears, outlining his matchup read, key factors, and the outcome he expects in a pivotal NFC North showdown.
Last week, Minnesota fell 27-19 at home to the Baltimore Ravens after upsetting the heavily favored Detroit Lions the previous week. Chicago won last week 24-20 at home against the New York Giants.
Ali Siddiqui Forecasts Bears at Vikings
These two teams last faced off in Minnesota during Week 15 last season. Sam Darnold went 24/40 for 231 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Aaron Jones rushed for 86 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries. Justin Jefferson caught seven passes for 73 yards and a touchdown. Jordan Addison caught seven passes for 63 yards.
“Just seeing us stacking the plays, stacking the good games together is really good to see,” Jefferson said. “Our potential is so high. Every game we’re expecting the offense to be the best on that field.”
On defense, Josh Metellus recorded a game-high 10 tackles. Jonathan Greenard and Dallas Turner each recorded a sack. For Chicago, Caleb Williams went 18/31 for 191 yards and a touchdown. D’Andre Swift rushed for 79 yards on 19 carries. Keenan Allen caught six passes for 82 yards and a touchdown. D.J. Moore caught eight passes for 46 yards.
On defense, T.J. Edwards recorded a team-high eight tackles and a sack. Tyrique Stevenson recorded an interception. Minnesota won 30-12 to improve to 12-2 on the season and finished 14-3 with a wildcard berth. They fell to the Los Angeles Rams on the road in the first round of the playoffs.
Chicago fell to 4-10 with the loss and finished the season at 5-12. It was the fourth consecutive season they missed the playoffs.
Both teams have gone in separate directions after week one. Chicago has gone 6-2 since, while Minnesota has gone 3-5, but this is absolutely a game Minnesota can win.
While Minnesota is only 1-3 at U.S. Bank Stadium so far this season, it is hard to imagine them going 1-4. This may not be an easy game to win, but it would be a bit of a shock if they lost. McCarthy has also played well in his two games against divisional foes.
Chicago’s 6-3 record is a surprise, but they are not as good as their record states. This is a must-win for Minnesota. If they want any chance at making it to the playoffs, they need to win this game. A loss could all but end their chances, barring a miracle or two.
Not having Jonathan Greenard this week will hurt, but the defense and the team as a whole should do enough to win this game. T.J. Edwards is out this Sunday, and Jaylon Johnson is questionable for Chicago.
Jefferson had a rough game last week, but look for him to bounce back this week.
Prediction: Minnesota wins 23-17
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