4 keys to victory for the Vikings at the Bears in Week 10

What are the keys to victory for the Minnesota Vikings against the Chicago Bears?

There is plenty of momentum building for the Minnesota Vikings after back-to-back victories against NFC North rivals. If they could make it three-in-a-row at the Chicago Bears on Monday Night it would give their ever-increasing hopes of an unlikely playoff berth a huge shot in the arm.

Mike Zimmer deserves a tremendous amount of credit for turning things around and making some notable adjustments during the bye week. The Vikings look a completely different team from the one that had a 1-5 record earlier this season.

With some more winnable games on the schedule in the coming weeks, Minnesota gaining a victory at Soldier Field gains even more significance, especially when one considers the record the Vikings have in Chicago in recent years.

Form tends to go out of the window in divisional matchups. The Bears may be on something of a slide, but they still have a formidable defense that is masking some serious questions on the offensive side of the ball.

Let’s take a look at four keys to victory for Minnesota as they look to secure their third win in succession and get to within one game of a .500 record once again.

Key to Victory No. 1

Good protection is crucial

One of the key components behind Minnesota’s impressive turnaround in form has been some improved protection. The offensive line has got some superb push on running downs and they’ve given quarterback Kirk Cousins more time to go through his progressions and get him out of a mini-slump.

Doing this against the Bears defensive front is easier said than done. They the potential to be dominant on almost every snap and if Chicago can generate some early momentum in this critical area of the field, it could be a long evening for the Vikings on the national stage.