Bears vs. Vikings: Key matchups to watch in Week 15 prime-time showdown

The Chicago Bears will face the Minnesota Vikings for the second time in three games, which also marks the second game for interim head coach Thomas Brown. After seeing their comeback bid come up short in a 30-27 overtime loss at Soldier Field in Week 12, the Bears will place in Minnesota on Monday Night Football, looking to end their seven-game losing streak.

Last week, the Vikings dominated the Atlanta Falcons in a 42-21 beatdown that saw second-year receiver Jordan Addison score three touchdowns. Addison also torched the Bears in the first matchup between these two teams, catching eight passes for 162 yards and a touchdown in Minnesota's victory. On Sunday,, the Bears announced left tackle Braxton Jones would miss the Monday night's showdown due to concussion symptoms, once again hurting an already struggling offensive line.

Before they step on the field, here are some key matchups to watch in the Bears' Week 15 showdown against the Vikings.

1. Bears offensive line, and whoever starts at LT, vs. Vikings blitz

In their first matchup, the Vikings were able to sack Caleb Williams three times, including a crucial one in overtime that gave Minnesota the ball and ultimately ended the game. Williams saw the blitz 23 times from the Vikings defense in the first game, and without Braxton Jones at left tackle, it's going to be imperative that he gets the ball out quickly, something he has vastly improved on as the season progressed. There's no word who will start at left tackle, but it is expected to be Larry Borom, who has filled in for Jones earlier this season. On the season Borom has been charged with 6.0 sacks and 14 pressures allowed in just three games, which means it could be a long night for Williams if his protection can't hold up.

2. Bears WR DJ Moore vs. Vikings secondary

DJ Moore has only had two games in which he has surpassed 100 yards receiving this season, one against his former team the Carolina Panthers, and the other, the Vikings. In Week 12 against Minnesota, Moore torched the Vikings secondary for seven catches, 106 yards, and a touchdown. There are plenty of other threats in the Bears passing game, including Keenan Allen who had nine catches, 86 yards, and a touchdown of his own in the game, but Monday night might call for a heavy dose of passing attack. Running back Roschon Johnson has been ruled out for a second straight game with a concussion, and starting running back D'Andre Swift has been battling a knee injury all week, with his status a game-time decision. Given the success Williams had against the blitz in their first matchup, it feels like the Bears should focus on an aerial attack against a lowly Vikings passing defense that coming into Week 15 ranked 29th in the league.

3. Bears DE Montez Sweat vs. Vikings OT Brian O'Neill

Chicago's top pass rusher has been anything but this season. Montez Sweat has only totaled 4.5 sacks this season, but his last game against Minnesota may have been his best this season. Totaling three tackles, two tackles for loss, two quarterback hits and one sack, Sweat made his presence felt last time these two teams met. Vikings right tackle Brian O'Neill has been one of their best offensive lineman this season, but Sweat needs to step up. Considering Gervon Dexter Sr has also been ruled out for this game, getting to Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold will need to be a collective effort, and Sweat needs to lead the way.

4. Bears CB Tyrique Stevenson vs. Vikings WR Jordan Addison:

The aforementioned Jordan Addison had his way with the Chicago Bears secondary just a few short weeks ago. Following his incredible performance against the Atlanta Falcons, Addison will look to continue feasting, more than likely against Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson. Not having the season he or many expected, Stevenson has 56.6 PFF grade on the season, and has made headlines and highlights in all the wrong ways. Justin Jefferson was held in check by Jaylon Johnson in the season's first matchup, and if Chicago wants any chance of winning this game, it'll be beyond necessary that Stevenson can hold his own against Addison.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears vs. Vikings: Key matchups to watch in Week 15 prime-time game