The Minnesota Vikings are set to take on the Chicago Bears in an important NFC North division battle on Monday night.
The game became even more important, as the Green Bay Packers gifted the Vikings a Detroit Lions loss by beating them 29-22 on Thanksgiving Day. It’s even more important after the Vikings lost to the Denver Broncos on Sunday night. The Vikings currently sit two games down from the Lions and can climb within 1.5 games with a win on Monday night.
As we approach the game on Monday night, there are multiple ways we will preview the game. These four players will be important for the Vikings to get a win on Monday night.
Managing editor Tyler Forness: TE T.J. Hockenson
When the Vikings signed T.J. Hockenson to a major contract extension, the expectation was that he deliver in big spots like one of the best tight end in football. While he’s been great so far this season, being great when defenders are in his space and attacking the ball hasn’t been where Hockenson has excelled.
This season, Hockenson has a paltry six contested catches on 21 targets (28.6%). Last season, Hockenson was twice as good with 19 receptions on 33 targets (57.6%) and 14 of 24 (58.3%) just during his time with the Vikings after the trade deadline. Against the Broncos, Hockenson caught one of his three targets and that’s just not good enough long-term. Hockenson stepping up in that way is something that the Vikings need in a big way with Justin Jefferson out.
Columnist Judd Zulgad: QB Josh Dobbs
Dobbs suffered his first loss as the Vikings’ starting quarterback on Sunday after leading them to back-to-back victories following his acquisition from the Arizona Cardinals. Dobbs, a well-traveled backup, was solid in the first half of the 21-20 loss to the Denver Broncos but wasn’t as effective in the final two quarters. So how will he rebound against the Bears? His response will be key as the Vikings remain in a playoff spot and, without Kirk Cousins for the remainder of the season, have veteran Nick Mullens in the backup role. There’s no reason to think coach Kevin O’Connell would make a change at this point, but Dobbs’ response to the loss in Denver will be monitored closely.
Columnist Saivion Mixson: RB Ty Chandler
Kevin O’Connell seems intent on keeping Alexander Mattison in that role, and it’s understandable. Mattison showed some good things on film against the Broncos. His 81 yards on the ground are the most he’s had since week four. But to ignore how Ty Chandler has been playing would be a travesty.
From the 31-yard fake punt to the sneaky 37 yards he had through the air, Chandler has continued to be a threat for an explosive play every time he touches the ball. Is he going to challenge for the feature-back role? Not yet. But his 29 touches in the last two weeks, more than double from weeks one through nine (13), lends credence to those who want to see more of Chandler on the field.
They’re going to need him. Since week five, this Chicago Bears team is the best in both EPA allowed per rush and rushing success rate.
Columnist Chris Spooner: ILB Ivan Pace Jr.
Justin Fields may not have a lot of weapons around him in the Chicago Bears offense. Don’t let that fool you into thinking he’s not dangerous. The biggest weapon Fields has is his ability to break contain and make something happen with his legs. The onus is going to fall on the Vikings’ defensive front seven, especially the linebacker group to keep Fields in check throughout the game.
That likely means that Ivan Pace is going to be given the unenviable task of keeping his eyes glued to Fields and making sure that he can’t get the edge and run roughshod all over the Vikings’ defense. Pace has been a stand-out rookie for the Vikings this season, but this may be his toughest task to date.
