Predictions On Tap Week 2: Bears vs Vikings

Surprisingly, the Bears enter this week the healthiest they have been since 2022. Their injury update showed zero questionable, doubtful, or out players. This obviously does not include the gaping holes left by players on injured reserve. Still, after last season’s injury saga, it is nice to see this group holding up better health-wise. Can the Bears’ unstoppable force beat the immovable object of the Harrison Smith-led Vikings defense?

Now, on to the predictions!

Michael Tyspin: Bears 31, Vikings 21

A Brian Flores defense is always tough to go against, but I think the Bears will lean into what they do best. Run the ball. I’m expecting a big bounce-back from Colston Loveland after a zero-catch, two-target game last week. Let’s all hope for a better defensive performance against the Carson Wentz-led Vikings offense.

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Nick DeMao: Bears 27, Vikings 18

The Panthers blitzed at a rate of 31.4% in Week 1, yet they recorded the worst pass rush efficiency in the NFL with a 16.1% pressure rate. The Bears offensive line held up, and they’ll need to do that again against Flores. His Vikings defense blitzed on a whopping 78.3% of dropbacks, generating a 54.3% pressure rate in Week 1. The Packers couldn’t generate a run game to keep the Vikings defense honest. The Bears, however, have arguably the best stable of running backs in the NFL with Week 1’s NFC Offensive Player of the Week, D’Andre Swift, and Kyle Monangai. Sprinkle in Caleb Williams’ ability to scramble downfield, and Flores will have to respect the Bears’ rushing attack. Though I don’t think the Bears will score 59 points, I believe we’ll see a more ball-control offense focused on sustained drives and points. The Bears defense has an easier task ahead containing statuesque Wentz instead of slippery Bryce Young.

Samir Patel: Bears 27, Vikings 23

The chess match between Flores and Ben Johnson will be must-watch television on the lakefront. While Wentz has had the Bears’ number in the past, the Bears won’t let last year’s disappointing loss repeat itself.

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Seth Conklin: Bears 38, Vikings 31

The chances of the Bears repeating their 59-point offensive explosion are minimal. That said, I believe with a strong emphasis on the run game, the offense stays a few steps ahead of Flores and company. I anticipate Williams will focus on taking what the defense gives him this week to minimize the impact of heavy pressure from the talented Vikings defensive line. If the Bears clean up the 12 penalties from last week, I expect them to do enough to win. The defense likely allows Wentz and the Vikings offense to hang around longer than they should. However, give me The Iceman in the fourth quarter to close it out with a touchdown to Loveland to seal it.

Quinten Krzysko: Bears 31, Vikings 28

The only reason the Bears kick a field goal is to hit the game-winner as time expires. (The Bears offense might blow a few fourth downs in field goal territory, while we are at it.)

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What’s On Tap Next

The Bears finished last season with a losing record within the division. This game gives them not only a chance to start 2-0 this season but also 1-0 in the division. It’s not technically a must-win game in terms of their season being on the line; however, it would surprise no one to see Johnson treat it as such. This is a chance for Johnson, Williams, and the entire team to begin the year with a huge statement. All eyes will be on Chicago on Fox at noon CT (1 p.m. ET).