Week 1 Preview: Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings
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Week 1 of the NFL season has arrived, along with all the excitement setting in. The Bears will face a big test on Monday Night Football to kick off the season against a strong divisional rival. Both teams have added new faces that could change the trajectory of either team. The Bears, in particular, have made some significant additions to their roster, acquired in the offseason, including defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, guard Joe Thuney, and edge rusher Dayo Odeyingbo. These new players bring a fresh dynamic to the team and could be the key to their success this season. On the other side, the Vikings added big names like defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, and running back Jordan Mason.
Keys to the Game
1. Can the Bears pressure J.J. McCarthy in his first start?
The first-year QB will have lots of eyes on him. McCarthy was unable to start last year due to a torn meniscus that he suffered in last year's preseason. However, the Bears haven't been overly successful against rookie quarterbacks, and according to Statmuse.com, the Bears have allowed quarterbacks to throw over 200 yards 4 out of 6 times in Week 1 since 2019. Newly acquired Jonathan Allen has to impose his pressure early and often to prevent McCarthy from settling in and getting the ball to his receivers.
2. Will Caleb Williams settle into Ben Johnson's offense?
A topic that all Bears fans have been anticipating all offseason is Caleb Williams in Ben Johnson’s offense. We get to see it come into fruition (or not) on Monday night. All signs point to a positive outcome, though. According to Pro-Football-Reference.com, Williams had a solid preseason, going 17/25 with a 68% completion rate, passing for 220 yards and two touchdowns. He was only sacked once and had no interceptions. Take the preseason with a grain of salt, but if he can transition his game into the regular season, we could see a match made in heaven.
3. The Bears need to contain Brian Flores' pressure defense.
Flores is known for his heavy blitz defense, creating chaos in the backfield. New center Drew Dalman and guard Joe Thuney will have to manage this. The addition of those two has greatly improved the Bears' line, and it subsequently created an opportunity for Williams to have more time in the pocket to counter some of the blitz plays that Flores will throw out in Week 1.
Odds
The Bears are a slight underdog in this contest, sitting at +105, and the Vikings are the favorite with a -120 line. Odds are subject to change before kickoff.
Injuries
Chicago Bears-
Jaylon Johnson (CB): Questionable (groin injury)
Kyler Gordon (CB): Questionable (hamstring)
Roschon Johnson (RB): Questionable (foot).
Tremaine Edmunds (LB): Questionable.
Austin Booker (DE): On Injured Reserve (knee)
Terell Smith (CB): On Injured Reserve (knee)
Travis Homer (RB): On Injured Reserve (calf)
Minnesota Vikings-
Harrison Smith (S): Questionable (personal health issue)
Jalen Nailor (WR): Questionable (hand injury)
Andrew Van Ginkel (LB): Questionable
Justin Jefferson (WR): Questionable
Rondale Moore (WR): (season-ending knee injury)
Jordan Addison (WR): (suspension)
Prediction
Being as realistic as possible, this game is close, with both teams being pretty equal skill-wise on paper. It's going to come down to whoever can implement their game plan first. The outcome of this game is uncertain, which adds to the excitement and anticipation. I predict the Bears will take this one in a game that comes down to the wire.