The Minnesota Vikings are facing a pivotal game in week six against their NFC North division rival Chicago Bears on Sunday afternoon.
It’s a huge game for the Vikings and Bears, as they both sit at 1-4 and a loss will crater their playoff chances. Both teams had aspirations of a playoff berth but it hasn’t looked like it’s going to happen to this point.
Despite their record, the underlying metrics for the Vikings look good. They have played good football outside of their 12 turnovers and -9 turnover differential. That fact gives them a glimmer of hope for a potential playoff berth.
Going into Sunday’s game, we spoke to Alyssa Barbieri of Bears Wire to get the lowdown of the Bears.
Where are we at with Justin Fields’ development?
Fields has looked his best over the past two games, where it certainly appears that he’s turned a corner. He’s completed 67 percent of his passes for 617 yards with eight touchdowns and one interception in that span. But beyond the numbers, Fields looks more comfortable, confident and decisive in the pocket. He’s making throws with impressive accuracy, using his eyes to manipulate the defense and delivering under pressure. Fields is tied for the second-most touchdown passes (11) among quarterbacks through the first five games. Fields has stacked some impressive outings, and now it’s about delivering on a consistent basis. But, over the past couple of weeks, he’s looked like a different quarterback.
After the resignation of Alan Williams, has the defense seen any kind of shift?
Head coach Matt Eberflus, who has taken over play calling duties, has certainly embraced blitzing opposing quarterbacks more than Williams ever did, and it certainly paid off in last Thursday’s win over the Commanders, as the team totaled five sacks. Still, getting after the quarterback – notably with the front four – continues to be a struggle, as they have just seven sacks this season (29th). The Bears have also struggled against the pass, allowing 286 passing yards per game (31st), which could mean Kirk Cousins is in for a big day. But Chicago’s secondary has been ravaged by injuries, and they haven’t had their starting secondary on the field at the same time since Week 1. The good news is they’re expected to get back some key veterans, including cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon, as well as safety Eddie Jackson.
Is D.J. Moore’s performance against the Commanders an anomaly or a trend?
Considering Moore had a career game (with 230 yards and three touchdowns), it’s difficult to believe he can replicate that on a weekly basis. But his production and being a focal point on offense is certainly a trend. Moore has eclipsed 100 receiving yards in three of five games this season, and offensive coordinator Luke Getsy finally listened to Fields about getting Moore more involved. Moore is likely to get a lot of attention after his impressive outing against Washington, which should allow more opportunities for Darnell Mooney and Cole Kmet. But Moore has proven to be an asset both in contested situations and yards after the catch, and there’s no one Fields trusts more.
With Khalil Herbert injured, will we see Roschon Johnson get the majority of carries?
The Bears have some solid depth at running back, which is going to come in handy Sunday as they could be without Herbert (ankle), Johnson (concussion) and special teams ace Travis Homer (hamstring). If Johnson doesn’t clear concussion protocol, it’ll be D’Onta Foreman getting the workload at running back. Foreman has been inactive for the last few weeks, but he’s shown an ability to step in when needed, as evidenced by his time with the Panthers last season. Chicago also signed Darrynton Evans, who spent time with the team last year, to serve as his backup.
The Bears defensive line is full of youth. Have they shown any substantial week to week growth?
Rookies Gervon Dexter and Zacch Pickens have had their moments, and they’re showing progress. Dexter has been the big story so far this season, and he’s coming off his best game against the Commanders, where he saw increased reps. Dexter impressed as a one-tech pass rusher, generating six pressures and two QB hits on 30 pass-rushing snaps, per Pro Football Focus. Pickens has played a limited role this season, and there are questions about whether he’s being utilized correctly. He’s seen more reps at one-tech than three-tech, which his skillset fits best. It’s early, but at least with Dexter it looks like Chicago has a potential three-down starter.
What’s your score prediction for the game?
This is the perfect opportunity for the Bears to make a statement and start stacking wins during a favorable portion of their schedule. The loss of Justin Jefferson looms large for Minnesota, who was 5-1 against Chicago with him in the lineup. While this game won’t be a cakewalk, the Bears have hit their stride on offense and the defense showed progress in getting after the quarterback last week (not to mention they should be getting back some key starters in the secondary). With that said, I’m picking Chicago to win a close one where Justin Fields once again takes a step forward in his development and closes out a close game.
Bears 27, Vikings 24
