Minnesota Vikings: 4 steps to beating the Chicago Bears

Oct 25, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) hands the ball off to running back Adrian Peterson (28) during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

2) Get Adrian Peterson going & control the clock

There are few more dangerous running backs in the NFL to let get touches than Matt Forte of the Chicago Bears. A true receiving and running threat, the Minnesota Vikings need to stop Forte from getting the ball.

There’s no better way to do that than to pound the ball on the ground with Adrian Peterson, who is arguably more dangerous than any other running back on the ground.

Peterson was particularly impressive in responding with a 98-yard game in Week 7 after a disappointing performance in Week 6. If he can keep that up, the Vikings will be able to keep the Bears’ offense off the field and limit the touches that Forte can get (not to discount the capabilities of quarterback Jay Cutler and other offensive threats too much, simply by focusing on Forte).

With 20 or more rushing attempts in the game (which has been done in three games), Peterson will be primed to be an offensive threat and control the clock for the Vikings.

The Bears have the 26th ranked rushing defense in the NFL and the Vikings have sixth ranked rushing offense, giving the Vikings a clear advantage that should allow them to control the clock and still rack up chunks of yards.

Next: Limit the deep passes so the Bears can't keep up