Vikings vs. Bears: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Time and Predictions
By Chris Roling
Dec 9, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder (7) against the Chicago Bears at the Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Bears 21-14. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Vikings vs. Bears. Talk about a historic rivalry worthy of watching no matter how great each team is. The good news is both Minnesota and Chicago look to have great squads this year for very different reasons.
Minnesota lost in Week 1 to Detroit, but is always a serious threat to pay attention to thanks to Adrian Peterson. Chicago scored a major victory over Cincinnati in Week 1 thanks to the new offense in place by new head coach Marc Trestman.
Here are the most important things fans need to know about the game.
Where: Soldier Field, Chicago
When: September 15, 2013, 1:00 PM ET
Watch: FOX
Live Stream: NFL Sunday Ticket, Game Rewind
Vikings Player to Watch: Cordarrelle Patterson
Aug 25, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) runs with the ball after making a catch against the San Francisco 49ers in the third quarter at Candlestick Park. The 49ers defeated the Vikings 34-14. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
We all know Adrian Peterson is a name to watch, but he’s going to need some help if the Vikings are going to win on the road and avoid an 0-2 start.
The passing game needs to wake up, and no, Jerome Simpson isn’t going to keep playing at such a high level. Minnesota took Cordarrelle Patterson high in the draft for a reason, but his debut was a dud with only one catch. That’s going to need to change if the Vikings are going to have any chance at all.
Bears Player to Watch: Martellus Bennett
Sep 8, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Martellus Bennett (right) makes a touchdown catch over Cincinnati Bengals middle linebacker Rey Maualuga (left) and Cincinnati Bengals free safety George Iloka (center) during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
The new offense in Chicago is intriguing to say the least. Jay Cutler is getting rid of the ball very fast, and he’s not just relying on old friend Brandon Marshall for most of his production.
Instead, Martellus Bennett, who arrived via free agency this offseason, made a big splash last week with a touchdown. Bennett needs to keep making a big splash because if he suddenly falls off the Vikings can simply key on Marshall and shut the offense down.
Matchup to Watch: Bears Defense vs. Adrian Peterson
Sep 8, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) on the sidelines in the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
It sounds so simple, doesn’t it?
The new-look defense in Chicago led by Jon Bostic looks great, but Adrian Peterson is the first real test. How the unit reacts and bottles up Peterson or doesn’t will decide the outcome of the game.
Peterson had a great game last week and the Vikings still lost, but that won’t always be the case. Chicago’s offense is going to need some help from its defense in order to hold off Minnesota at home.
Prediction
Sep 8, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) celebrates scoring a touchdown during the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Soldier Field. Chicago won 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
The new offense in Chicago looks legitimate and the defense seems as sound as ever. The problem with this matchup is the Minnesota defense simply isn’t up to par.
Expect Peterson to run wild, but Chicago is simply more balanced on both sides of the football. Add in momentum from a big win and home field advantage, and the Bears look like the safe bet here.
Chicago 21, Vikings 10