Yahoo Sports Bears vs. Vikings game picks: Will Chicago snap their losing skid?
The Chicago Bears (4-6) will battle the Minnesota Vikings (8-2) in Week 12, where Chicago is looking to snap a four-game losing streak and record their first NFC North win of the season.
The Bears are coming off a heartbreaking 20-19 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams had his best game as a pro -- where he effectively operated this Thomas Brown-led offense, protected the football and came up clutch to set the team up for a game-winning field goal in his first start against the Packers. Unfortunately, head coach Matt Eberflus declined the chance to advance the ball and make Cairo Santos' field goal easier, and that ultimately cost them as Santos' 46-yard attempt was blocked and the Packers escaped with the one-point win.
Heading into this Week 12 matchup, the Bears are looking to bounce back after four consecutive losses and looking to build on their strong offensive showing last week. Can Chicago make a statement with a win over an eight-win Vikings squad? Our Bears Wire staff share their game picks for Sunday's matchup.
Alyssa Barbieri (5-5): Vikings 23, Bears 17
This game is a whole lot more difficult than what we expected at the beginning of the season, and it starts with the different trajectories of these NFC North teams. The Vikings have been a top team in the NFC while the Bears are in the midst of a four-game losing streak and firing their second head coach named "Matt" in the last four years.
The Bears offense made strides under interim offensive coordinator Thomas Brown, who proved Shane Waldron was among the biggest problems for this unit amid the three-game losing skid. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams had his best game as a pro as Brown perfectly crafted a game plan that took the pressure off Williams and allowed him to settle in and make some impressive throws that show the future is bright. But the real test starts this week against a top Vikings defense led by Brian Flores. Protecting Williams is of utmost importance, and counteracting this impressive pass rush will be key. Expect more of the quick passing game and utilizing Williams in the run game along with D'Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson, who face a tall order against the league's best run defense.
On the opposite side, Chicago's defense has a chance to make a stand against a Minnesota offense that has since come back down to earth after their hot start. Getting pressure on quarterback Sam Darnold is important for a group that has struggled amid this four-game losing skid. But stopping running back Aaron Jones is the key for this defense. While the defense might once again keep the Bears in this game, it'll ultimately come down to whether the offense can do its job. In the end, the Vikings are simply the better team. And even if the Bears are positioned to win this game, Matt Eberflus will find a way to lose another one-score game in the most brutal fashion imaginable.
Brendan Sugrue (5-5): Vikings 21, Bears 16
Remember when the preseason was just ending and the vast majority of people were picking the Bears and Vikings to have opposite records from what they’re going through now? Any chance we can go back to those days because reality has not been kind to this team.
Once again, the Bears are having to pick themselves up off the ground following a bad loss, and it feels like the fight is gone. Wins don’t seem to matter anymore, and the performance of Williams is all that matters. At least according to the fans outside of Halas Hall. The Vikings present a significant challenge due to their ability to get after the passer and stop the run on defense. Their 74.4 rush yards per game is the best in the league, meaning Williams more than likely will need to put the ball in his hands. Can he stay upright long enough to push the ball downfield?
On defense, we’re getting a matchup we haven’t seen in nearly four years: Jaylon Johnson vs. Justin Jefferson. Both players are instrumental to their unit’s success, and it will be interesting to see how this goes. The Bears defense will need to pressure Sam Darnold to push him off his game, which has been more difficult than anticipated this season.There is a path for victory for the Bears. All they need to do is pressure Darnold, neutralize Jefferson, break through their run defense, and lean on Williams to deliver the points. That’s a tall task for someone who is only in their 11th professional game. I feel like Minnesota will be in control on Sunday, pushing these Bears closer and closer towards a coaching change.
Vinnie Parise (5-5): Vikings 24, Bears 13
A lot of people who discuss the Chicago Bears have some kind of self entitlement when it comes to their chances against the Minnesota Vikings. That is not wise. Maybe Minnesota isn’t as good as the Detroit Lions but they are certainly much better than the Chicago Bears. The Vikings are 8-2 for a reason and they deserve respect for how they’ve played this year.
The biggest advantage that the Vikings have is at head coach. Kevin O’Connell has been tremendous while Matt Eberflus is responsible for at least half of Chicago’s losses. You can’t expect Eberflus to come into this one and our coach O’Connell. All you can hope for in this one is more progression from Caleb Williams. Seeing him make reads and evict the pocket when he has to was there highlight of last week and this will be another chance to improve his game. Unfortunately, that’s the most that Bears fans have to loom forward to as the Vikings are sure to win in the end.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears vs. Vikings game picks: Will Chicago snap their losing skid?
