Chicago Bears vs Minnesota Vikings – Week 12 Game Preview: Overview, Keys to Game, Insights
The Bears (4-6) came painfully close to an upset victory over the Packers at Soldier Field this past Sunday but a blocked field goal scuttled those chances. Instead, they suffered their fourth-consecutive defeat as the season slips away. The seat under head coach Matt Eberflus has become scorching hot after he fired his ninth assistant coach in less than three years at the helm.
The schedule does not get any easier for Chicago as another winning team, the Vikings (8-2), come to town for a game this Sunday. Minnesota doesn’t play the prettiest brand of football but it is an effective one, producing eight wins through the first 10 games of the season.
Quarterback Sam Darnold is making the most of another opportunity after struggles early in his career with the Jets and Panthers. The former top-five draft pick has been solid but far from spectacular so far in 2024 despite having possibly the best receiver in football, Justin Jefferson as a resource. The Vikings offense is decidedly average and the running game has really struggled.
The inconsistent scoring has not been an issue, however, as the defense has shined all season long. Minnesota is allowing an average of just 17 points per game, fourth best in the NFL. The running defense has been the most impressive aspect of the unit, surrendering only 74.4 yards a contest, the best in the league.
The Bears once again have their work cut out for them in this game. They played better last time out but the vibe around the team is very bad at the moment. Injuries and head scratching coaching decisions add even more hurdles to an already treacherous course ahead. It would be nice for something positive to happen and the Vikings are far from invincible, so maybe a surprise is possible.
Where to Watch/Listen
- Sunday, November 24 at 12:00pm CT on FOX, WBBM Radio (English), and WRTO Radio (Spanish).
Keys to Victory
Here are my keys to Sunday’s game. If these things happen, the Bears should have a shot to win.
- Continue to build on success through the air from last week. Quarterback Caleb Williams seemed to find more traction in the passing game against the Packers. New offensive coordinator Thomas Brown called more short throws to allow his quarterback to get rid of the ball quicker and it helped stymie the pass rush.
- Put Darnold under pressure to try and force mistakes. The Vikings QB is having a decent year but he is hardly a world beater. If the Bears can get in his face he will make mistakes and this defense has proven it can convert those into turnovers.
- Don’t play afraid. Eberflus has been incredibly cautious this season and has taken almost no risks the entire year. Last week in fact, he settled for a 46-yard field goal with almost a minute left on the clock instead of trying to get more yardage to make it an easier kick. With the Bears season slipping away there is nothing to lose, they should take big chances trying to score an upset.
Don’t Tell Me the Odds
The Vikings are 3.5 point favorites on the road in Chicago this week. Unsurprisingly, with two middling offenses, the over/under is set at a low 39.5.
It’s Football Weather
The forecast looks pretty good for Sunday at Soldier Field with a high of 52 and cloudy skies with just an 8 mile-an-hour wind.
My Prediction
The Vikings have hardly looked impressive in their recent victories and have had to battle their way through. With that in mind, I think this will be a competitive game that might come down to the wire like the Packers game. I think the Bears will generate a couple of crucial turnovers and eke out a surprising 21-17 victory.
Official Bears Preview
Former NFL executive Rick Spielman joins Jeff Joniak and Tom Thayer on the Bears, etc. podcast to preview the upcoming matchup between the Bears and the Vikings. Plus, listen as they delve into the traits of modern-day quarterbacks in the NFL.
