On Sunday, the Minnesota Vikings will play against the visiting Chicago Bears in a game that will determine last place in the NFC North. In addition to that, this is an important game for Minnesota because if they win, they will avoid a sweep by their division opponents.
In a game that some will call meaningless, there will be plenty on the line. Here are three big keys to victory for the Minnesota Vikings:
Nov 16, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) celebrates with Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) after he scored a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter of their game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
Contain Alshon Jeffery. Brandon Marshall won’t be available for this game, so now it’s all about containing Alshon Jeffery. Jeffery torched the Vikings in their first meeting, gaining 135 yards through the air and scoring one touchdown on 11 catches. This time, he will likely be contained by second year cornerback Xavier Rhodes in a move that will hopefully keep the long bombs from happening. Jeffery has caught touchdowns in 6 straight games for Chicago and looks to continue that trend this week.
Nov 16, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Jared Allen (69) sacks Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) in the second quarter of their game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
Keep Teddy Bridgewater upright. The Vikings offensive line is now just a shell of what it used to be. There are backups at right tackle, right guard, and most likely left guard again this week. Matt Kalil has been struggling and the only consistent part of the line has been center John Sullivan. However, the Vikings have been working on getting the ball out quickly and efficiently, with Bridgewater connecting on over 70% of his passes in the last 4 games. However, he has still been sacked times in each of his last two games, with him being brought down twice in the last meeting with Chicago.
What are your keys to victory for the Minnesota Vikings in Sunday’s game against the Bears? And which team will end up in the cellar of the NFC North after this game? Discuss it in the comments below.
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