5 Bold Predictions: Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears – Week 17

Vikings (second-string?) defense will handle Trubisky

History often repeats itself in the NFL and it would be appropriate if Vikings fans had flashbacks of Christian Ponder while watching Mitchell Trubisky this season. The third-year signal-caller showed flashes of potential in 2018 while leading the Bears to the NFC North division title, but has struggled mightily and appeared to get benched (although the Bears called it a hip injury seconds later) on national television.

Trubisky has been better since crying into Matt Nagy’s shoulder, but there still seems to be something missing from the Chicago offense. With the Bears looking to play for Nagy (and potentially general manager Ryan Pace’s job), they’ll be looking to make a statement against the Vikings’ second string on Sunday.

The good news is that the Vikings’ depth on defense is better than people think. If the Vikings choose to rest Xavier Rhodes, it may be addition by subtraction and give young corner Mike Hughes a good test to go up against Allen Robinson. Outside of that, Trubisky will be relying on a receiving unit with Javon Wims and a banged-up Anthony Miller to move the ball against the Vikings.

Yes, the Vikings will have their backups in at multiple positions, but they should be able to handle whatever challenge the Bears defense throws at them. With this game being played at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minnesota should be able to hold serve and give their offense a chance to win.