NFC Game Of The Week
Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears
Vikings: They’re in a really good position right now and I don’t think they’d be here if it isn’t for their win in Philadelphia against the Eagles because I felt that saved their season and since that win, they’ve won four of their last five games and they’re in the hunt in a three-team race in the NFC North. I think it’s safe to say that the Kirk Cousins experience has worked so far and he’s put together a really nice season for the Purple, White, and Yellow. Prior to their bye week against the Lions, that was one of their more complete wins on the season because they handled their business on the offensive side but defensively, they really made it happen and sacked Matt Stafford a total of 11 times and when they are active on defense, they’re impossible to beat and remember that Zimmer is a defensive minded guy so there are days when the coordinator in him comes out. This defense is stacked in each tier from the defensive line which is one of the best in the league that features Linval Joseph, Sheldon Richardson, Danielle Hunter, and Everson Griffen and each guy does something that makes them stand out. Let’s not be so quick to write the Vikings off and in a conference where it seems to be up in the air, they’re a team I wouldn’t want to see down the stretch because they can turn it on and get hot at any time and they’ll remain hot meaning they won’t let up. This is the beginning of a tough stretch for the Vikings on their schedule and they’ll face three tough opponents in their next three games and the first is a showdown in Chicago with the Bears on a Sunday night.
Bears: Here we are, week 11 and the Chicago Bears are in first place in the NFC North. Yes, you read that right it’s not the Minnesota Vikings or the Green Bay Packers and I can truthfully say that I never saw this coming at all but whenever one of the iconic franchises are doing well, it’s good for the league. I remember the night when the Bears shocked us all and traded up for Mitchell Tribusky back in the 2017 draft and quite a few people were very distraught about the decision made by Ryan Pace, but I think all is forgiven at this point especially since Pace made the move to get Khalil Mack to Chicago in a trade with the Oakland Raiders. I’ve seen Mitchell take so many strides this year and it all has to do with coaching and we can’t forget Matt Nagy. He’s been pushing Tribusky to be more aggressive and has allowed him to really make those big-time passes deep down the field. Being conservative doesn’t win you football games and I like seeing him show off that arm strength and his ability to spin the ball and spread it around to the open receivers. He’s really developed a nice chemistry Allen Robinson and the two have really grown together as teammates. The fuel to the Bears engine has been their defense and they have one of the three best units in the league right now as we speak. They were able to handle business without Khalil for two games, but when he returned back to the lineup, it was business as usual. Over the years, the Bears defense was primarily known for succeeding after forcing a takeaway and they still do that, but they can also make stops. They’ll look to increase their division lead on Sunday under the lights.
Vikings Player To Watch: Kyle Rudolph– With the season that Adam Thielen has put together and Stefon Diggs also making some big catches, don’t forget about the tight end because he can make a defense pay especially if you leave him too wide open. He’s a difference maker when he’s getting the football thrown to him.
Bears Player To Watch: Prince Amukamara– He’s the Bears number one corner on the depth chart, so he’ll see Adam Thielen all night long. Prince is a longer defender in the secondary and has the speed to stick with receivers and tight ends down the field.
Final Analysis: This is a big game in the NFC and I’m happy that it’s been flexed to Sunday night. The Vikings are finding their rhythm after struggling to find their identity early on in the season. They need to come up and establish the tempo of this game in their favor and they can do that by running Murray and Cook, using Rudolph over the middle and keeping Cousins protected. This will be the best receiver the Bears have seen all year in Thielen so I’m anxious to see the game-plan they draw up to limit number 19.
Prediction: Vikings 26 Bears 21
