5 Bold Predictions: Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears – Week 5
By Chris Schad
Chicago will run for over 150 yards against Minnesota’s defense
It’s hard to put an exact number on how many rushing yards the Bears will get on Sunday, but we do know that they’re going to try to run over the Vikings’ defense at U.S. Bank Stadium.
The Bears come into Sunday’s game fifth in the NFL with 5.2 yards per carry. While they might not have to deal with David Montgomery, Khalil Herbert might be better, averaging 6.1 yards per attempt this season and running for 169 yards and two touchdowns in a Week 3 win over the Texans.
With Fields’s dual-threat ability under center, the Bears have leaned into their strength, toting the rock 136 times. Only the Philadelphia Eagles (153) and Cleveland Browns (149) have run the ball more this season.
When looking at the rest of Chicago’s depth chart, it makes sense they would want to run the ball. Their defense has been brutal, and Darnell Mooney is their top wide receiver. The Bears ranked 29th in PFF’s latest offensive line grades, and we already mentioned how much pressure they allow in the passing game.
Against a Vikings defense that has allowed 4.6 yards per attempt this season, this might be the best way to control the clock, keep the ball away from Kirk Cousins and company and come out of Minnesota with a win.