The Minnesota Vikings will try to do something Sunday they haven't done since the 2020 season: win three consecutive games against division opponents.
First, the Vikings rolled past the Packers. Then Minnesota edged Detroit by battling back from two double-digit deficits, including a 10-point margin in the fourth quarter.
Now, the Vikings (3-1) will go for the trifecta when Minnesota returns home to face Chicago (2-2) at U.S. Bank Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for noon (CT) on FOX.
The Vikings and Bears have met 122 times, with Minnesota holding a 63-57-2 advantage in the all-time series. Chicago won the lone postseason matchup between the two teams in the 1994 Wild Card round.
Minnesota has won three of the past four meetings with Chicago, including twice last season (17-9 in Chicago on Dec. 20, 2021, and 31-17 at home in January).
Let's see who the experts are picking to win the game:
Vikings 27, Bears 14 — Gregg Rosenthal, NFL.com
There's a lot of blame being tossed around Chicago when it comes to Justin Fields, but sometimes he has to take the layups. His insanely high time to throw and tendency to turn any pressure into a sack is more on him. The Bears can find ways to win with defense and running, but they are starting each week at such a disadvantage until Fields makes quicker decisions.
Vikings 24, Bears 10 — Pete Prisco, CBS Sports
The Bears have been lifeless in terms of their passing game, which limits what they can do — as we saw last week on the road in a loss to the Giants. The Vikings played in London last week, so they had to deal with the long trip. But they are a much better team. The Minnesota defense hasn't played that well this season, but that changes here.
Vikings 23, Bears 14 — Staff, Bleacher Report
Against the Bears' 11th-ranked defense in points allowed, the Vikings' 15th-ranked scoring offense may not have enough continuity to help them finish with at least an eight-point victory. In its first year under new head coach and lead play-caller Kevin O'Connell, this team must figure out some things on the offensive side of the ball.
Vikings 24, Bears 16 — Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News
The Bears revved up their passing game a little with Justin Fields, but his throwing is still off, and they can't fully ride a running game that includes his athleticism. Defensively, they don't have the right cover men to handle Justin Jefferson and a rejuvenated Adam Thielen and proved they can still get gashed by the power run. The Vikings smash another division foe at home to get to 4-1.
Vikings 28, Bears 19 — Bill Bender, Sporting News
The Vikings return from London for a home game with Chicago. Justin Fields has attempted just 67 passes in four games, and that 50.7% completion percentage is not good enough on the road. As long as Kirk Cousins does not turn the ball over, Minnesota should be fine.
Vikings 22, Bears 10 — Michael David Smith, Pro Football Talk
Justin Fields is trending increasingly toward "draft bust" territory in his second season. The Vikings defense isn't very good, but I just can't see the Bears offense scoring much against anyone right now.
Vikings 27, Bears 21 — Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk
The Vikings have found a way to barely win, on a consistent basis. Which is better than the last two years, when they found a way to barely lose on a consistent basis.
Pre-game win probabilities: Vikings 76% — FiveThirtyEight.com
7 of 7 experts (2 experts didn't pick) pick the Vikings, ESPN
5 of 5 experts pick the Vikings, The MMQB
6 of 7 experts pick the Vikings, Bleacher Report
9 of 10 experts pick the Vikings, The Athletic
