Bears vs Vikings: Going behind enemy lines to preview Week 15 matchup

The Chicago Bears (4-9) will be back in prime time when they travel to Minnesota to face their NFC North rival Vikings (11-2) and hope to snap their seven-game losing streak.

In the first game for interim head coach Thomas Brown, the Bears were embarrassed by the San Francisco 49ers on a plethora of levels. Being outgained in yardage in the first half 319-4 in the game against San Francisco, the Bears had more punts (5) than offensive yards (4) in the opening half, showing an absolute atrocious display of football on both offense and defense. After a full week where good vibes, and a positive change in culture and practice were discussed, the Bears came out and looked flat for the entire game against the 49ers.

Before the Monday Night Matchup, we caught up with managing editor Andrew Harbaugh of Vikings Wire, to get the scoop on the Bears' Week 15 opponent.

Here are five questions with Vikings Wire:

1. Just how far can Sam Darnold lead this Vikings team?

Andrew Harbaugh: I was skeptical of Sam Darnold after a month, then in October, I started to feel he was turning back into a pumpkin. Starting in November though, he has got me all the way in on him being able to lead this team to a Super Bowl. It took a while, but this team and coaching staff are all behind him in a way he has never had before, and that is mentally making a world of difference.

2. What changes do you expect from Brian Flores in the second matchup against Caleb Williams?

Harbaugh: I think Flores looks to throw more confusing sets at him where he shows pressure then drops them back or shows no pressure and the house comes his way. He has done those two things a lot in recent weeks and it has resulted in rushed decisions and turnovers.

3. How would you compare this Vikings team to the Lions?

Harbaugh: The teams are winning in different ways, but there are ways that they both could win a Super Bowl. The Lions are not turning the ball over and running all over teams, while the Vikings are forcing the turnovers, and the defense is applying pressure non-stop to rush everything the offense does. Also, the emergence of Jordan Addison in recent weeks is giving this offense the explosiveness it was lacking compared to the Lions in the past.

4. Who would you say has been the unsung hero on defense for Minnesota, seeing how several different players have stepped up?

Harbaugh: Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman is not getting enough credit this season for everything he brings to the defense. He is getting after the quarterback, defending the run, and disrupting passing lanes that open up. He has missed two games for the Vikings this year and those are their only two losses, that should be telling enough for his presence.

5. Prediction: Who wins and why?

Harbaugh: I think this game gets away from the Vikings, showing people they can make adjustments. With three of their final four games being divisional rematches, this is the first one they can show what they are capable of. I think the Vikings win this one 31-17 in a game where the Bears are never really in it and they forced at least two turnovers against Caleb Williams.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears vs Vikings: Going behind enemy lines to preview Week 15 matchup