Bears vs. Vikings: 3 keys for Chicago's offense in Week 15

The Chicago Bears (4-9) are looking to snap their seven-game losing streak as they travel to Minnesota for their second consecutive road game, and their second meeting with the Vikings in their past three weeks. In their last meeting, the Bears scored 17 points in the fourth quarter to force overtime against Minnesota but would ultimately come up short, losing 30-27 in overtime.

With Chicago totaling 60 points scored in their past three games, and Minnesota totaling 95 points, including a 42-point outburst in last week's win over the Atlanta Falcons, it is clear the Bears will have to put up points in order to compete. Against San Francisco, it wasn't until the game was out of reach in which rookie quarterback Caleb Williams delivered two touchdowns in the second half to Rome Odunze, the lone highlights in a very embarrassing loss.

Looking ahead to what should project as a shootout if the Bears want any chance to win, here are three keys on offense to give Chicago a chance at victory.

1. Caleb Williams needs a repeat performance

One of the best games of Williams' rookie career came against the Minnesota Vikings, as he completed 68% of his passes for 340 yards, the second most of his career, and added two touchdowns. In addition to his big passing game, Williams was also the team's leading rusher against Minnesota, carrying the ball for 33 yards on six carries, finding answers for the several different blitz pressures the Vikings brought to him. If Chicago has any chance of competing in this game, they'll have to put most, if not all, of the offensive production on their rookie quarterback to lead them to victory.

2. Rome Odunze and Cole Kmet need to join the party

After his two touchdown performance against San Francisco last week, Odunze has an opportunity to keep his momentum going in what has been a slower than anticipated rookie season. DJ Moore and Keenan Allen thrived against a weak Minnesota passing defense, but Odunze and Kmet were held without a touchdown. They combined for 12 catches, so it wasn't a bad game for them, but if they can increase their production, with at least one of the two finding the endzone along with either Moore or Allen, the Bears have to use every weapon they have available to them.

3. The rushing game needs to come alive

Williams led the team in rushing in the first game against Minnesota, while running back D'Andre Swift averaged just 2.3 yards per carry on 13 carries, and as a team the Bears only picked up 78 total rushing yards. Roschon Johnson will be out for this game due to a concussion, his second straight missed game, so the importance of Swift producing can't be understated. In his past three games Swift has failed to reach over 40 yards rushing, and while there is blame for the offensive line in that as well, the rushing game needs to be alive against Minnesota. One of the best defenses is an effective and time-stretching offense, drives are not sustainable for a long period without some sort of ground game. If Williams is once again the leading rusher, it will be a telling sign that there was no production from the rushing offense and will more than likely lead to an eighth consecutive loss.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears vs. Vikings: 3 keys for Chicago's offense in Week 15