5 keys to victory in week 8: Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears

Dec 20, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Eddie Royal (19) runs after the catch in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Kendricks (54) at TCF Bank Stadium. The Minnesota Vikings beat the Chicago Bears 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Eddie Royal (19) runs after the catch in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Kendricks (54) at TCF Bank Stadium. The Minnesota Vikings beat the Chicago Bears 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
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Sep 19, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) drops back to pass against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) drops back to pass against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

#1. Don’t let Jay Cutler air it out

Fans can joke about Jay Cutler’s inconsistency and turnovers all they want, but the strong-armed quarterback has made himself a reputation of getting long plays against the Minnesota Vikings in recent history.

Even without Jay Cutler, the Chicago Bears are #11 in the NFL in passing yards per game according to ESPN. If they had him for the entirety of the season instead of just a game and a half, that ranking might be even higher.

When you sprinkle in big, experienced targets for Cutler to throw to and the confidence to make short throws to bring the defense in, you have a dangerous Bears passing game that will test the discipline and ability of the Vikings secondary.

Schedule