Chicago Bears vs Minnesota Vikings – Week 6 Game Preview: Overview, Keys to Game, Insights
The Bears (1-4) finally snapped their 14-game losing streak with a win against the Washington Commanders last Thursday. D.J. Moore looked very much like the number one receiver Chicago was hoping he would be with over 200 yards and three touchdowns to lead the way to victory
Now the Bears head home for a match up with their struggling rivals the Minnesota Vikings (1-4). It’s been a much tougher season in 2023 for the Vikes after they won the NFC North in 2022 thanks to a 11-0 record in one-score games. They have lost four of five games and now will be without star wide receiver Justin Jefferson for several weeks after he suffered a hamstring injury.
Quarterback Kirk Cousins has been piling up passing yards so far with 1498, the second most in the NFL. The problem for Minnesota so far has been the inability to score touchdowns in the red zone. It’s a problem that has been exacerbated by one of the worst run games in football and eight interceptions from Cousins. As a result, they are only scoring 22 points per game.
Minnesota’s defense has not been great giving up 24.4 points a game so far in 2023. They have a league-worst -9 turnover differential so far which has badly hurt them in several close losses. They are a pretty even match up with this current Bears team and both squads could really use a win.
This is an interesting moment for Chicago, if they can get another victory they might be able to start building some momentum toward at least a competitive season. If nothing else, the home fans might enjoy actually seeing something good happen with their team.
Where to Watch/Listen
- Sunday, October 15 at 12:00pm CT on FOX, WBBM Radio (English), and WRTO Radio (Spanish).
Keys to Victory
- Justin Fields keep up his connection with D.J. Moore. Chicago’s quarterback has had two good performances in a row and the Vikings pass defense is not very good. He needs to exploit that again in this game.
- Force more turnovers out of Kirk Cousins. The Bears have to take advantage of Minnesota’s sloppy play to begin the season. They will be able to move the ball but will make mistakes that Matt Eberflus’ squad need to pounce on.
- Don’t relax if they get an early lead. Chicago might be 2-2 if they didn’t let up on the Broncos in Week 4. They have to keep pushing even if they get an advantage.
Don’t Tell Me the Odds
The Vikings are three point favorites on the road in Chicago Sunday. Vegas expects a low-scoring game with an over/under set at just 44.
Don’t Tell Me the Odds
It’s going to be a cold and drizzly day at Soldier Field Sunday with a high temperature of 55 degrees with occasional rain and northeast wind of 20 miles an hour.
My Prediction
I think the Fields and Moore connection is working again and the Bears pull a mild upset to win their second consecutive game 28-21.
Official Bears Preview
Here are Bears analysts Jeff Joniak and Tom Thayer previewing the Bears’ upcoming Week 6 matchup on the Bears Etc. Podcast.
