After achieving their best record through four games in many years, the Minnesota Vikings look like serious contenders both in the NFC north as well as the NFC as a whole. An easier matchup against the Chicago Bears in week 5 should provide the Vikings with an impressive 4-1 record heading to Miami.
Throughout the first four weeks, quarterback Justin Fields has struggled greatly, in part due to the weak supporting cast he has offensively. Fields has gotten swarmed with defenders nearly immediately, with over a 40% pressure rate on his dropbacks. As a result, the Bears have relied heavily on the run game, with running backs Montgomery and Herbert helping lead Chicago to two wins thus far. Defensively, Eberflus has coached the team well, and has gotten help from safeties Eddie Jackson and rookie Jaquan Brisker. However, with cornerback Jaylon Johnson doubtful to play due to injury, inexperienced corners will have to step up against a wide receiver room including Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen.
In a thriller against the Saints in London, Jefferson was able to bounce back against star cornerback Marshon Lattimore, with Thielen stepping up whenever necessary. Kirk Cousins and the offense struggled in the red zone, but the offensive line and offensive scheme as a whole appeared as effective as expected. On the opposite side of the ball, the run defense looked suspect in the second half, which will have to be cleaned up before facing the Bears running game. However, Cameron Dantzler Sr. has taken a step forward this year, and the pass-rushing duo in Hunter and Smith will only continue to improve as they adjust to this scheme.
Both new head coaches hope to make a statement against a division rival in a matchup that always seems to be decided by one score. However, with a miserable offensive line and a depleted secondary, the Bears will not be able to keep pace with the Vikings offense. Minnesota will seize another victory, 27-10.
