5 wild predictions: Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears

The Minnesota Vikings are looking to get back on track against the division-rival Chicago Bears. Here are 5 WILD predictions for the NFC North showdown.

Confidence was running sky-high in Minnesota after a red-hot 5-0 start, but an embarrassing Week 7 loss to the Eagles served as a jarring wake up call. The Minnesota Vikings were stifled in all three phases of the game, ending the game in a 21-10 defeat after scoring a garbage-time touchdown with 37 seconds left.

The offensive line was a glaring problem, as quarterback Sam Bradford was sacked six times and had pressure in his face all game. Without time to throw, Bradford and the Vikings were unable to establish any offensive rhythm whatsoever.

While the defense mostly played well, generating turnovers and keeping the Eagles largely in check, the unit was simply unable to make up for a faltering offensive attack.

Now, the Vikings are looking to put last week’s struggles behind them and re-establish themselves as the team to beat on a national stage. The Vikings desperately need to recapture the momentum they had to start the season, and the 1-6 Chicago Bears offer an opportunity to do so on Monday Night Football. Here are five WILD predictions for this week’s game.

Sep 1, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Kentrell Brothers (40) celebrates with safety Jayron Kearse (27) fumble recovery in the second quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Jayron Kearse gets first career interception

After an exciting offseason that culminated in winning the illustrious Mr. Mankato award for best offseason performance by an under-the-radar player, Jayron Kearse is finally getting the chance to step onto the field for meaningful action.

After strong safety Andrew Sendejo was carted off with an ankle injury early in last week’s game, Kearse stepped in for the remainder of the day. Now, Sendejo has officially been ruled out of this week’s contest, so the rookie out of Clemson will get another chance to start.

At 6’4″ and 215 pounds, Kearse translated his intriguing physical tools into big plays all preseason, with three passes defended, two interceptions, and a fumble recovery in four games. Now, Kearse needs to carry that production into the regular season.

When asked about Kearse’s play filling in for Sendejo last week, head coach Mike Zimmer described his performance as “average”, but that is to be expected from a rookie thrust into action with no warning.

With a full week of preparation, this game should go slightly smoother. Still, up-and-down play is likely from the rookie. Kearse has a penchant for big plays, but that style of play carries inherent risks with it. I expect Kearse to use his length and athleticism to get into a passing lane to make an interception this week, but the young defensive back will likely let up a few plays along the way.

Oct 3, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Giants running back Orleans Darkwa (26) is tackled by Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Linval Joseph (98) and defensive end Brian Robison (96) during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Vikings hold Bears to under 50 rushing yards

The Bears’ running game has struggled to get going all season, ranking 25th in the NFL with 87.9 rushing yards per game. With Linval Joseph and Shamar Stephen combining to form one of the most stout interior defensive lines in the game, it will be tough sledding for the Bears to get even that.

Led by the interior pressure of Joseph and Stephen, the Vikings currently rank 3rd in the NFL with only 81.7 yards per game allowed on the ground. For the Vikings, who ranked 17th in run defense last year, this is a major step forward in what was once a weakness for this team.

Against the Bears, expect the Minnesota Vikings to focus on stopping the run very heavily. With turnover-prone quarterback Jay Cutler returning to the helm of the Bears, the Vikings will look to take away the run and force Cutler to air it out against a physical and ball-hawking secondary.

Add in injuries along the offensive line, with right guard Kyle Long listed as doubtful and left guard Josh Sitton listed as questionable, and the Bears’ prospects in the running game look even worse.

It could be a long day for Jordan Howard & Co. in the Bears backfield.

Nov 15, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman (23) dives to recover a fumble by quarterback Peyton Manning (not pictured) during the first half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Ronnie Hillman has a costly fumble

Throughout his career, there have been times when Ronnie Hillman has looked like a dynamic and explosive back capable of handling a heavy workload. With enticing speed and agility, Hillman is more than capable of creating explosive plays and breaking games wide open.

However, Hillman has never maintained the trust of the coaching staffs that he’s played, for, largely due to his issues with ball security. Through his four seasons with the Broncos, Hillman fumbled eight times despite his limited workload. With only 520 career touches with the Broncos, Hillman fumbled over 1.5% of the times that he touched the ball.

Given the style of play the Vikings have employed this year, leaning on a dominant defense and safe offense to win close games, relying on the turnover-prone Hillman is very problematic.

However, with Adrian Peterson on IR and Jerick McKinnon ruled out of this week’s game with an ankle injury, the Vikings have little choice. Ronnie Hillman is going to get a significant workload this week, splitting time with Matt Asiata. Once again, he will quickly lose the trust of his coaching staff by fumbling away an offensive possession.

Sep 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) celebrates his touchdown during the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Packers 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Stefon Diggs scores 2 touchdowns

Last year, Diggs had two of his biggest games of the year against the Bears, racking up three of the four touchdowns he scored in his rookie season. Now with a year of development under his belt, Diggs will be looking to take it to the Bears once again.

Diggs started off hot this season after a strong training camp, with 285 yards and one touchdown across his first two games. However, Diggs has slowed down significantly recently as he’s been dealing with a nagging groin injury, missing Week 5 and recording just 18 yards on two receptions against the Eagles last week.

After practicing full all week, Diggs appears to be back at full health, and should feast on a week Bears secondary. Many in and around the Vikings organization believe that Diggs is quietly on the verge of becoming a star, and nationally broadcast games like this Monday Night Football showdown are a perfect opportunity to break out.

Diggs should provide a big spark in the Vikings’ offense this week, scoring two touchdowns and getting over a hundred yards against a struggling Bears team.

Dec 20, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon (31) dives for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Chicago Bears defensive lineman Pernell McPhee (92) at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Vikings win, 21-17

The Vikings will walk out of Soldier Field victorious, but it will be much closer than anyone expects. Divisional games are always up in the air, with even the worst teams seeming to rise to the occasion. Aided by their home crowd, the Bears will put forth a strong effort against the division-leading Vikings.

Stefon Diggs will re-emerge as an explosive weapon in the passing game, but the faltering running game and patch-work offensive line will prevent the Vikings from blowing this game wide open. Add in a few major turnovers from the Vikings, and the Bears will be able to hang tight for much of the game.

In his return to action, Jay Cutler will play decently as he tries to make up for a nonexistent rushing attack, but ultimately his mistakes will mount and the Vikings’ defense will take advantage.

The Minnesota Vikings will leave Chicago with a win on Monday Night, but the victory will leave them with plenty of questions to answer in the coming weeks. Thankfully, a 6-1 record will help to make those questions a lot less imminent to answer.