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, our staff gives their predictions for Sunday’s game
Managing Editor Tyler Forness
Record: 3-2
Make no mistake, this is a make or break game for both teams. If they want a chance to make the playoffs, this is a must-win. 1-5 means you are almost certainly out of the playoffs while 2-4 gives you a sliver of hope.
The Vikings will have to do so without Justin Jefferson who hit injured reserve earlier this week. With defenses about to change how they operate by not having to rotate coverage, that could complicate how the Vikings attack down the field. The Bears don’t have enough talent to keep up with everything the Vikings will throw at them, but it will be closer than some might think.
Vikings 27, Bears 21
Columnist Judd Zulgad
Record: 3-2
There are some who think this should be an easy victory for the disappointing Vikings, but the Bears offense has started to produce more and the team will be extra motivated playing its first home game since the passing of legendary linebacker Dick Butkus. Throw in the fact the Vikings have been their own worst enemy this season and this figures to be closer than people expect.
Vikings 24, Bears 21
Columninst Saivion Mixson
Record: 3-2
This game has all the makings to be a sluggish afternoon of football. Justin Jefferson is out for the next four weeks and Chicago’s offense is still a huge question mark, despite their offensive outburst last week. If lightning strikes twice for Justin Fields, Cousins and company will have to get into their second shootout in as many weeks. All that said, there were some real positives with Minnesota’s defense from last week that foster some optimism. Let’s go with the Vikings in a barn-burner to give Kirk Cousins four straight wins at Soldier Field.
Vikings 27, Bears 25
Columnist Chris Spooner
Record: 1-0
On paper, this is a game the Vikings should win, and fairly easily. Even without Jefferson, the Vikings have a considerable talent edge in this one. However, nothing is ever easy in the NFL and the games aren’t played on paper. If the Vikings continue turning the ball over at a torrid pace, they aren’t going to walk away with the win here. Turnovers have stymied this team all season, and they had one on the very first play of the game last week.
To their credit, they didn’t turn the ball over again after the opening fumble, and that gives some hope that they’ve finally figured out the answer to their turnover woes. If the Vikings can control the ball, play mistake-free, and get a big play or two from their weapons, they should have the edge.
Vikings 27, Bears 13
Bears Wire Managing Editor Alyssa Barbieri
Record: 2-2
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
