Minnesota Vikings: Week 5 preview against the Chicago Bears

The Minnesota Vikings head to Soldier Field to take on the Chicago Bears. Can they regroup following a loss to the Lions?

The 2-2 Minnesota Vikings hope to move past a tough loss to the Detroit Lions with a victory over the Chicago Bears in a primetime matchup on Monday Night Football. Game time against the NFC North rival is set for 7:30 p.m. Central time on ESPN.

Although the season is young, the Minnesota Vikings Week 4 loss hurt more than just the L in the loss column. Just after halftime, they lost rookie phenom Dalvin Cook to a torn ACL on a non-contact play. Of course, that means the promising back is out for the year, a huge blow to the Vikings sixth ranked offense.

In Cook’s absence, the Vikings backfield consists of free agent signee Latavius Murray, third-down back Jerick McKinnon, and recent pickup Stevan Ridley. Murray is likely getting the first crack at the starting job, although he’s admitted that his ankle isn’t 100 percent healthy. Regardless, there isn’t a back on the roster capable of replacing a healthy Cook.

Hopefully, the return of quarterback Sam Bradford, who’s been out since Week 1 with a knee injury, not only happens, but helps boost an offense that needs a spark after last week. Backup Case Keenum has filled in admirably, especially in Week 3 against the Buccaneers, but Bradford is clearly the guy the Vikings want running the offense. Obviously, Keenum is ready to start a fourth straight game if Bradford can’t go.

On the other side, the Chicago Bears are coming off an ugly 35-14 loss to the Green Bay Packers, dropping them to 1-3 on the year. The Bears had four turnovers in the game, resulting in three touchdown drives by the Packers.

The loss was ugly enough to persuade Bears coach John Fox to make a change at quarterback. They will turn to rookie and second overall pick Mitch Trubisky to replace Mike Glennon at the all-important position. The former North Carolina quarterback with 13 college starts to his name has quite the first test against a stout Vikings defense.

Lifetime, the Vikings lead the series against the Bears at 58-52-2. Yet, the NFC North foe has taken eight of the last nine games from the Vikings at Soldier Field. Additionally, last season’s loss in Chicago was the second loss of a four game skid that largely derailed their season. Basically, the Bear aren’t to be taken lightly at home.

With that, let’s look into the three keys to victory!