Three Keys for the Chicago Bears to Beat the Vikings in Big Week One Matchup

The season opener is here, and the Chicago Bears face a brutal reality check against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field. After a promising offseason that had fans buzzing about rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and new offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, the rubber meets the road Sunday afternoon.

But here’s the thing about Week 1 – anything can happen. The Chicago Bears have three clear paths to victory, and if they execute these game plan elements, they’ll send their fans home happy and set the tone for what could be a special season.

Caleb Williams Must Find His Security Blanket

Against the Vikings’ 28th-ranked pass defense from last season, Williams has an opportunity to build confidence. The Vikings will be without Jordan Addison, a massive blow to their receiving corps that opens up coverage underneath. Williams showed promise against Minnesota in college, posting a 96 passer rating in two games, but the NFL is a different beast entirely.

DJ Moore brings veteran savvy to the receiver room, while Rome Odunze offers the rookie-to-rookie chemistry that could prove special. Keenan Allen, when healthy, provides the route-running precision that young quarterbacks crave. Williams doesn’t need to throw for 400 yards – he needs to find that one receiver who makes him feel comfortable in the pocket.

The offensive line improvements should give Williams cleaner looks, but he’ll face Brian Flores’ aggressive defensive schemes designed to confuse rookie quarterbacks. Quick passes and yards after catch will be essential. If Williams can establish that connection early and often, the Chicago Bears offense will have a foundation to build on throughout the game.

Ben Johnson’s System Must Work to Perfection

Ben Johnson didn’t leave Detroit to run a watered-down version of his explosive offense. The Chicago Bears hired him to bring that same creativity and execution that made the Lions’ offense must-see television. Week 1 is his debut, and there’s no room for growing pains.

Johnson’s track record against Minnesota provides hope. He found ways to attack their run defense when he was with the Lions, and he’ll need every trick in his playbook Sunday. The Vikings’ additions of Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen – both returning from injuries – make their defensive front even more formidable.

This isn’t the time for experimental play calls or feeling out the opponent. Johnson needs to call the game like his reputation depends on it – because frankly, it does. The Chicago Bears faithful have waited long enough for creative offensive football, and Johnson’s system working to perfection could be the difference between a statement win and a deflating loss.

The Running Game Must Find Life

Here’s where things get dicey for the Chicago Bears. The Vikings finished second in run defense last season, and their defensive coordinator, Brian Flores, loves to crowd the line of scrimmage with blitzes and extra defenders.

But here’s what the numbers don’t show – the Vikings’ defensive tackles are coming off major injuries, and there might be rust to exploit early. D’Andre Swift brings a different dynamic to the Bears’ backfield, while Roschon Johnson provides power between the tackles.

The Chicago Bears can’t abandon the run at the first sign of trouble. Even if early carries result in minimal gains, establishing physicality up front sets the tone for the entire game. Johnson’s offense thrives on play-action concepts, but those only work if the defense respects the run fake.