Bears at Vikings: 5 bold predictions for Monday's game

The 2024 season for the Chicago Bears has officially become a disappointment now that they're slated to finish with a losing record and will miss the postseason for the fourth year in a row. Still, they have a few more games to play before they can head home for the offseason, including their first repeat of the season.

The Bears (4-9) will look to end their lengthy losing streak when they travel north to take on the Minnesota Vikings (11-2), who are thriving as they clinched a postseason berth for the second time in three years. Minnesota has a chance at the division title and even the top overall seed in the NFC. The Bears, however, have only pride to play for, as well as the development of Caleb Williams. But perhaps they can play spoiler and ruin the opportunity for the Vikings.

No matter who wins, there will be a number of notable things that take place in this game. Here are our bold predictions for Bears vs. Vikings:

1. Caleb Williams breaks 3,000 yards passing for the season

It could be a long night for Williams as he goes up against Brian Flores' defense for the second time this season. The rookie managed to do well enough to get the Bears into overtime during their last meeting, but that came at home and with a healthy offensive line. This time, he may not have the same opportunities.

That doesn't mean he won't be slinging the ball, though. If the Bears find themselves down early against the Vikings, chances are they will be looking to throw more often than not. Couple that with a banged-up backfield, and we could be looking at a game with 40+ pass attempts. Keep in mind, Williams attempted 47 passes in their first meeting for 340 yards. I expect him to get at least 254 yards, which would give him 3,000 for the season. He would become the first Bears QB since Mitchell Trubisky in 2019 to eclipse that total.

2. Keenan Allen has first 100-yard game of the season

The last time the Bears played the Vikings, I predicted Allen would have his best game of the season. Seeing as he caught nine passes for 86 yards (season highs) and a touchdown, I'd say we nailed that one. Can he do it again, though? I don't see why not.

Allen is the perfect safety valve for Williams against this defense. He can rack up catches and has shown improvement with his yards after the catch in recent weeks. With the Bears likely throwing all over the field out of necessity, he'll see plenty of targets and should turn those opportunities into gains. Keep in mind it was in US Bank Stadium that he had his best performance of his career in 2023. He will see his first 100-yard game as a Bear in what will probably be a losing effort.

3. Kyler Gordon creates a turnover

Some players were made for Monday Night Football, and it looks like Kyler Gordon is one of them. The third-year cornerback has shined on multiple occasions when playing on Monday, like his long interception against the New England Patriots in 2022 or his pick last year against these same Vikings.

Gordon seems to play his best during these games, and considering he's one of the only few players who showed heart during last week's abysmal loss to the 49ers, he might be playing with an extra chip on his shoulder. Sam Darnold has played extremely well lately, having not thrown an interception in over a month. Still, Gordon's versatility and unpredictability can make him a threat to create a turnover. Whether it's a fumble or a pick, he'll get his hands on a ball to make an impact.

4. TJ Hockenson torches the Bears yet again

You know the drill at this point: the opposing tight end obliterates the Bears defense. It has happened for most of the season, and it's going to keep happening for the final four games. TJ Hockenson has already shown what he can do against the Bears this year when he totaled seven catches for 114 yards a few weeks ago. If you're the Vikings, why would you not rely on him again after seeing what George Kittle did just one week ago?

The Bears do a decent job of locking down wide receivers with their cornerbacks, primarily Jaylon Johnson. It's their linebackers, however, who always seem to get lost in coverage when trying to cover tight ends. The Vikings know that and will feed Hockenson as much as possible, giving him another 100-yard game.

5. Bears get at least 4 offensive pre-snap penalties

It almost feels like cheating to say the Bears are going to allow a certain number of sacks each game. We know the line isn't great, and it got even worse over the weekend when the team announced Braxton Jones was out. That means either Kiran Amegadjie or Larry Borom will step in, and that hasn't been a recipe for success in the past.

Surely, the offensive line and Williams will surrender more than a few sacks, but what about the pre-snap penalties? According to NFLPenalties.com, the Bears are No. 9 in false start penalties (20), No. 9 in delay of game penalties (five), and No. 3 in illegal formation penalties (six). Those rankings also take into account the teams that have already played in Week 15. They're playing in arguably the loudest stadium in the league, with new players on the line and a revamped coaching staff that is still trying to find their footing. I won't be surprised to see the flags fly before the snap.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears at Vikings: 5 bold predictions for Monday's game