The Sun-Times’ Bears experts offer their picks for the Bears’ NFC North showdown at Soldier Field:
RICK MORRISSEY
Bears 13-10
As underwhelming as the Bears’ offense has been so far this season, I find it very hard to believe that a Kirk Cousins-led offense can do enough damage against Khalil Mack et al to give the Vikings a victory at Soldier Field. Season: 1-2.
RICK TELANDER
Bears 21-20
I have a vision: the Bears are at a threshold. The offense simply holds its place, and the defense destroys and wins. Can this furious D stop a serious running attack? Here we go. Season: 2-1.
PATRICK FINLEY
Vikings 15-12
It’s Week 4, and the Bears still haven’t played well enough to beat a good team. They’re on a short week and have meaningful injury questions. The Bears defense is dominant, but the team has been outscored 26-13 in the second half this season. That’s when the Vikings — and running back Dalvin Cook, the NFL’s leading rusher — will do their damage. Season: 2-1.
MARK POTASH
Bears 13-10 (OT)
The Bears are on short rest and will be taking a step up in class vs. the Vikings’ defense. But the Bears’ defense had a knack of stepping up in these games last year. The Vikings are 3-15 vs. Bears on the road since 2001. Season: 2-1.
JASON LIESER
Bears 13-10
Who’s ready for one of those classic NFC North ground-and-pound games? There won’t be much action, but it will be dramatic. These were the top two teams in the conference in total defense last season, but both struggled to score. Very little has changed. The Bears will terrorize Cousins, the Vikings will fluster Trubisky, and it’ll come down to how well Eddy Pineiro can kick on a hobbled leg. Season: 2-1.
