The Chicago Bears (7-8) look to end a season full of downs on a high note when they face the division rival Minnesota Vikings (10-5) on Sunday.
Both teams are in much different positions in week 17. The Vikings have clinched the No. 6 seed in the NFC playoffs. The Bears, meanwhile, have been eliminated from the playoffs altogether, capping a disappointing season a year after they made the postseason.
The Bears beat the Vikings 16-6 in their week four matchup. Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky left the game in the first quarter with a shoulder injury.
Former Bears offensive lineman and WTTW News football analyst James “Big Cat” Williams gives us three key takes on what the Bears need to do to beat the Vikings.
Big Cat Take #1:
The Bears’ offense is going to need to find a way to run the ball effectively. The Bears are ranked 29th in the league running the ball and the Vikings are 14th in stopping the run. It’s a tall task, but it will help to keep the Vikings defensive line from breathing down Trubisky’s neck all afternoon.
Big Cat Take #2:
A lot of the Vikings’ big plays come off of play-action pass. Defensively, stopping the run without having to put extra players in the box and allowing the corners and safeties to play the pass on the snap of the ball.
Big Cat Take #3:
Try finishing the season on a high note. There are some special team players and call-ups that will hopefully get some snaps and they must be ready to take full advantage of this chance to put themselves on film not only for the Bears, but for the other teams around the league.
Bold Prediction: Vikings 27-17
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