Can the Chicago Bears put back-to-back wins together?
We’ll find out on Sunday, when the Minnesota Vikings come calling to Soldier Field. The Vikings are also 1-4, but coming off a loss to the Chiefs last Sunday.
The Bears, meanwhile, finally injected some good vibes into their season with a 40-20 road win over Washington two Thursdays ago. They have some key defensive players returning to the lineup and a Justin Fields-led offense that has put two straight good games together. Can they win their first game at home in over a year and end a lengthy losing streak in the NFC North?
Here’s how we see this one shaking out …
Adam Hoge (2-3) — Bears 31, Vikings 21
We’ll certainly learn more about the Bears this week. Are they really a team that could improve as the season goes on? Will Justin Fields continue improving as he has the last two weeks? The answer to those questions should be yes. And if they are, the Bears should probably win this game, despite being 2.5-point home underdogs.
Nicholas Moreano (2-3) — Bears 24, Vikings 17
The Vikings are not the same without Justin Jefferson. Plain and simple. Even though Minnesota has other playmakers in T.J. Hockenson and Jordan Addison, Matt Eberflus can still play his defensive scheme without having to tilt coverages to a particular direction. Offensively, the Bears as a unit need to trust their eyes and be prepared for the pressure the Vikings will bring all game. Explosive plays will help against the blitz. Bears extend their winning streak to two games and get their first division win since Nov. 25, 2021.
Corey Wootton (2-3) — Bears 31, Vikings 28
Bears have found their groove offensively and Justin Fields and DJ Moore continue to shine. Darnell Mooney has his coming out party this week. Defensively it’s going to be a lot easier without Justin Jefferson. Bears must be able to stop the rushing attack and TJ Hockensen.
Will DeWitt (3-2) — Bears 24, Vikings 17
No Justin Jefferson, no problem? Obviously there’s much more at play than the Vikings’ star receiver being out, but it will significantly help the Bears’ chances. Did you know the Bears have scored the eighth-most points per game over the last three weeks? Here’s to the offense remaining hot. If so, back-to-back wins for the Bears are in our future.
Greg Braggs Jr. (2-3) — Bears 24, Vikings 20
In a sloppy game with some fortuitous fumbles that help give the Bears a couple short fields and enough to hold on for the win late. Kyler Gordon makes his presence felt in his first game back from injury and the Bears keep moving in the right direction
Mark Carman (3-2) — Bears 27, Vikings 24
it is not a mirage. It is real. Justin Fields has arrived to a new level. Eight touchdowns and one interception that last two weeks turns into 11 touchdowns and 2 interceptions after three games.
Kevin Kaduk (2-3) — Bears 31, Vikings 23
There’s a part of me that thinks the Bears are setting me up for disappointment once again, but no Justin Jefferson, a healed defense and a home crowd should tip the scales their way on Sunday.
Jake Flannigan (1-4) — Bears 34, Vikings 17
After more than a full calendar year, the Bears say goodbye to a franchise worst nine-game home losing streak. Two teams trending in opposite directions create a massive mismatch in favor of Da Monsters of Da Midway. An aerial attack from Justin Fields sends Soldier Field into a frenzy. The defense plays a big role in a one-sided affair from start to finish, forcing four turnovers in a wet one.
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