The Chicago Bears (2-1) host the division rival Minnesota Vikings (2-1) in what’s already a key early-season matchup in a competitive NFC North.
Before the game, we caught up with managing editor Kyle Ratke of Vikings Wire to get the scoop on the Bears’ Week 4 opponent.
Here are five questions with Vikings Wire:
1. The Vikings run game is thriving behind Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison. What’s the key for the duo to have success against this Bears run defense?
The offensive line still isn’t great, but Kevin Stefanski and Gary Kubiak have the offense working in unison. Having two tight ends on the field helps as well, but you get the sense that Kirk Cousins might have to help the run game out and make some plays to open it up. Otherwise Chicago will just stack the box.
2. If the Bears can contain Cook and the Vikings’ run game, what’s your confidence level that Kirk Cousins can step up and deliver in the pass game?
Out of 10? 1.9. I have very little confidence in Kirk Cousins against a good team. Here’s to hoping he proves me wrong.
3. Following Sunday’s win over the Raiders, the Vikings were down to just three receivers in Adam Thielen, Stefon Diggs and Bisi Johnson. How concerning is the depth of the Vikings receiving corp?
For most teams, it would be more of a concern. The Vikings brought back Laquon Treadwell (lol), but I’d be surprised if he saw the field a whole lot. With Kyle Rudolph and Irv Smith Jr. playing most downs, the importance of backup receivers isn’t all that important. It helps a ton that Smith has a wide receiver skill set.
4. The Vikings defense remains one of the better units in the league, giving up just 15.7 points per game. How will the Vikings defense attack the Bears offense? Is it as simple as stopping Mitch Trubisky?
I think it’s as simple as stopping Trubisky from running. That’s what caused the Vikings trouble last season. Expect Mike Zimmer to put a spy on Trubisky and stay away from blitzes that force Trubisky out of the pocket. Against most quarterbacks, that’s the goal, but Trubisky does better in nontraditional passing situations.
5. What’s your prediction for the game?
Vikings 17, Bears 16.
Stay tuned to Kyle and Vikings Wire for all things Vikings.
