Bears vs. Vikings matchup picks: Will Chicago end its losing streak?

The Chicago Bears (4-6) will face the Minnesota Vikings (8-2) in Week 12, where Chicago looks to end a four-game losing streak and record its first NFC North victory of the season.

The Bears are coming off a heartbreaking 20-19 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams had his best game as a professional – where he effectively managed this Thomas Brown-led offense, protected the football and managed to set the team up for a game-winning field goal in his first start against the Packers. . Unfortunately, head coach Matt Eberflus turned down the opportunity to advance the ball and facilitate Cairo Santos’ field goal, which ultimately cost them as Santos’ 46-yard attempt was blocked and the Packers went escaped with the victory by one point.

Heading into this Week 12 matchup, the Bears are looking to bounce back from four straight losses and are looking to build on their strong offensive performance from last week. Can Chicago make a statement with a victory over an eight-win Vikings team? Our Bears Wire team shares their matchup picks for Sunday’s game.

Alyssa Barbieri (5-5): Vikings 23, Bears 17

This game is much tougher than we expected at the start of the season, and that starts with the different trajectories of these NFC North teams. The Vikings have been one of the best teams in the NFC while the Bears are in the middle of a four-game losing streak and have fired their second head coach named “Matt” in the last four years.

The Bears offense has made strides under interim offensive coordinator Thomas Brown, who has proven Shane Waldron to be one of this unit’s biggest problems amid the three-game losing streak. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams had his best game as a professional as Brown perfectly put together a game plan that took the pressure off Williams and allowed him to settle in and make some impressive throws that show the future is radiant. But the real test begins this week against a high-level Vikings defense led by Brian Flores. Protecting Williams is of the utmost importance, and thwarting that impressive pass rush will be key. Expect more quick passing plays and Williams’ use in the running game along with D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson, who face a tough challenge against the league’s best run defense.

On the other hand, Chicago’s defense has a chance to make a stand against a Minnesota offense that has since come back down to earth after its strong start. Putting pressure on quarterback Sam Darnold is important for a group that has struggled amid this four-game losing streak. But stopping running back Aaron Jones is key to this defense. While the defense could once again keep the Bears in this game, ultimately it will come down to whether the offense can do its job. Ultimately, the Vikings are simply the better team. And even though the Bears are positioned to win this game, Matt Eberflus will find a way to lose another one-score game in the most brutal way imaginable.

Brendan Sugrue (5-5): Vikings 21, Bears 16

Remember when the preseason had just ended and the vast majority of people were picking the Bears and Vikings for having records opposite of what they’re currently going through? We have every chance of returning to this era because reality has not been kind to this team.

Once again, the Bears have to pick themselves up after a bad loss, and it feels like the fight is over. Wins don’t seem to matter anymore and Williams’ performance is all that matters. At least according to the fans outside Halas Hall. The Vikings present a significant challenge due to their ability to pursue the passer and stop the run on defense. Their 74.4 rushing yards per game are the best in the league, meaning Williams will most likely have to get the ball in his hands. Can he stay on his feet long enough to push the ball downfield?

On defense, we’re treated to a matchup we haven’t seen in nearly four years: Jaylon Johnson versus Justin Jefferson. Both players are instrumental in their unit’s success, and it will be interesting to see how that plays out. The Bears defense will have to put pressure on Sam Darnold to get him to give up his game, which has been more difficult than expected this season. There is a path to victory for the Bears. All they have to do is pressure Darnold, neutralize Jefferson, break through their run defense and rely on Williams to score the points. This is a daunting task for someone who is only 11 years old.^th professional game. I have a feeling Minnesota will be in control on Sunday, pushing these Bears further and further into a coaching change.

Vinnie Parise (5-5): Vikings 24, Bears 13

Many people who talk about the Chicago Bears have some sort of entitlement when it comes to their chances against the Minnesota Vikings. This is not wise. Maybe Minnesota isn’t as good as the Detroit Lions, but they’re certainly much better than the Chicago Bears. The Vikings are 8-2 for a reason and they deserve respect for the way they played this year.

The Vikings’ biggest advantage is their head coaching position. Kevin O’Connell has been great while Matt Eberflus is responsible for at least half of Chicago’s losses. You can’t expect Eberflus and our coach O’Connell to get into this one. All you can hope for in this one is more progression from Caleb Williams. Seeing him make reads and kick out of the pocket when necessary was the highlight of last week and it will be another chance to improve his game. Unfortunately, that’s all Bears fans have to expect , because the Vikings are sure to win in the end.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears vs. Bears Game Picks Vikings: Will Chicago end its losing skid?