From Chicago Sun-Times · · 2m
Bears predictions: Week 2 vs. Vikings
Five Sun-Times experts pick the Bears to win Sunday's home opener against Minnesota.
In brief
Five Sun-Times experts pick the Bears to win Sunday's home opener against Minnesota. Most experts favor the Bears despite Brian Flores' strong defensive scheme, with predictions ranging from 28-24 to 36-30. Originally reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
Five experts pick Bears to win
The Sun-Times' Patrick Finley, Jason Lieser, Scoop Jackson, Steve Greenberg, and Jeff Agrest all predict a Bears victory in Sunday's home opener against the Vikings.
Finley: Bears 28, Vikings 24
Patrick Finley is more concerned about Minnesota's third-fewest rushing yards allowed than their blitz scheme. Caleb Williams handled Vikings blitzes well in 2024, getting sacked only five times despite 68 total sacks.
Lieser: Bears 34, Vikings 29
Jason Lieser expects the Bears to score enough points to overcome their defensive issues. While Brian Flores' defense is tougher than last week's Panthers, the Bears' offense will outscore Minnesota.
Jackson: Bears 36, Vikings 30
Scoop Jackson sees Flores' defense slowing the Bears' offense from 552 yards and 59 points last week down to 400 yards and 36 points. Still enough for a Bears win.
Greenberg: Bears 30, Vikings 24
Steve Greenberg expects the Bears to score enough touchdowns and field goals to win despite being pressed hard by Minnesota's pass rush. He's skeptical of another eight-touchdown performance.
Agrest: Bears 35, Vikings 24
Jeff Agrest isn't worried about the Vikings' blitz scheme, saying Caleb Williams isn't afraid of it. He's also confident the Bears can handle Minnesota's offense outside of Justin Jefferson.
“Blitz, shmitz! Williams isn't afraid of the Vikings' big, bad blitzes brought by Flores.”
Williams' track record vs. Vikings
When Caleb Williams was sacked 68 times in 2024, only 5 came from the Vikings. This history suggests he can handle Minnesota's defensive pressure effectively on Sunday.
Flores' defense is the key test
Brian Flores' Vikings defense held opponents to the third-fewest rushing yards last week. This is the biggest defensive challenge the Bears' offense will face after scoring 59 points against Carolina.
Prediction range: 28-36 points
The five experts predict the Bears will score between 28 and 36 points, with all five picking Chicago to win. Predictions range from a tight 28-24 game to a 36-30 shootout.
In short
Most experts favor the Bears despite Brian Flores' strong defensive scheme, with predictions ranging from 28-24 to 36-30.
