It's still only September but already games are starting to grow in significance. This Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears matchup is one such example. Both have winning record and both are seeking their first divisional win. In a loaded NFC conference, this is the sort of game that will have far-reaching implications for the playoffs. So it shouldn't be a surprise each team is approaching it with a considerable sense of urgency.
It comes down to which team can pull off the victory. Each comes in with a degree of momentum after decisive wins in Week 3. The Bears will play host at Soldier Field, a place the Vikings have struggled to win the past several years. At the same time, Minnesota seems to be the more stable team. At least offensively. So who has the edge and who will emerge with a critical victory on Sunday?
Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears breakdown
Storylines:
Division up for grabs - A little extra sauce was thrown onto the hype for this game when the Philadelphia Eagles stunned the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Suddenly a win on Sunday will make either team 3-1 and push them towards the top of the NFC North race. Given how tough the division is from top to bottom, these games only gain greater significance. With both being 0-1 in the division to this point, so much is on the line.
Identities - Coming into this game, it feels like two teams on the opposite spectrum of an identity crisis. Minnesota knows exactly what they want to be. They want to run the ball and play good defense. Chicago? They still can't decide if they want to run or pass and it continues to result in inconsistency on offense, forcing them to lean heavily on their defense. Will something finally click in this game?
Injuries:
Akiem Hicks (knee) - The Bears defensive end left the win over Washington with a knee issue and has yet to practice this week. It's uncertain if he'll be able to go. The team believes he'll be a game-time decision. No doubt it would be a tough blow considering how Hicks has dominated the Vikings of late (2.5 sacks in 2018) and is also a vital part of their run defense. He'll be hard to replace if he can't go.
Josh Kline (concussion) - Minnesota's offensive line was never their biggest strength despite them having success running the ball this year. So when they lose somebody to injury, it's felt a bit more than normal. Josh Kline has been a steady presence for them so far this year, not giving up a sack or committing a single penalty. Him being out would be tough, especially if Hicks is able to give it a go.
Key matchups:
Garrett Bradbury vs. Eddie Goldman - The Vikings are going to do everything they can to get Dalvin Cook going on the ground. To accomplish this, they'll need a good game from their rookie center Bradbury along the interior. He'll have his work cut out for him against Goldman, one of the best nose tackles in the league. Whoever wins the majority of snaps in this battle may determine the course of the game.
Trae Waynes vs. Javon Wims - Taylor Gabriel is nursing a concussion, so his status for this game is up in the air. That should mean more playing time for Wims who had his first catch of the season against Washington. He may have a chance to have a bigger impact being lined up against Waynes. Quarterbacks have a 122.5 passer rating when targeting him this season, completing 13 of 15 passes thrown in his direction.
Prediction: Bears win 20-16
Right now the Vikings offense is driven through their ground game. When it works, they play well. When it doesn't? Not so much. The Bears have the #5 run defense in the league. They're capable of slowing Cook down at the very least. This will force Cousins to throw and we've seen what happens when he does that against this pass rush. Provided this takes place, Chicago should be able to use the home field to grind out a tough win.
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