WK 02 ~ vs BEARS ~ Info, News, Discussion, etc

With his next catch, Justin will surpass Moss for the second most receptions in Vikings' history.

Caleb is a big play waiting to happen.@edelman11 on whether the Bears can defeat the blitz. pic.twitter.com/CYkb0hMDA4

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) September 18, 2026

My confidence in the Vikings this week is fairly low without Murray/Mason/Jennings, and with a shaky secondary going against Williams/Johnson.

But anything can happen, and rain could be an interesting equalizer. The big thing about winning last week is the Vikings could lose…

— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) September 18, 2026

My confidence in the Vikings this week is fairly low without Murray/Mason/Jennings, and with a shaky secondary going against Williams/Johnson.

But anything can happen, and rain could be an interesting equalizer. The big thing about winning last week is the Vikings could lose this one and still have a good chance to be 3-2 or even 4-1 at the bye.

Carson Wentz: “Playing in chicago you never really know what you’re up against” pic.twitter.com/pxYlOb2QOT

— Matthew Coller (@MatthewColler) September 18, 2026

Skol Justin! Let's keep it going against Chicago!! pic.twitter.com/D4e0OTfpOx

— Carl Eller (@CarlEller81) September 18, 2026

Cricket wrote:

With his next catch, Justin will surpass Moss for the second most receptions in Vikings' history.

Thats insane...

I didn't realize Jettas was even getting close to sniffing a record like that.

purplefaithful wrote:

Thats insane...
I didn't realize Jettas was even getting close to sniffing a record like that.

He is currently tied with Moss at 587.

MaroonBells wrote:

Been hearing some people say that Dallas will get RB2 snaps. I could be wrong, but i don't think that will be the case. I think he was brought in mostly for special teams (he made the key block in Price's big return, the play when everything turned around).
Claiborne's a rookie, but he's been in this offense much longer than Dallas has. They might trust the veteran more as a pass blocker tho.

Dallas doesn't have many carries throughout his career. I think Ford has more likelihood of stealing carries if he can get acclimated.

Cricket wrote:

He is currently tied with Moss at 587.

And Carter has over 1000. So sniffing at #2, but only just over halfway to #1

Claiborne has had fumbling issues and rain is in the forecast. That makes me very nervous.

PurplePorsche wrote:

Claiborne has had fumbling issues and rain is in the forecast. That makes me very nervous.

Yah, 50% chance rain Sunday.

Earlier today on KFAN they were saying the bigger concern about DC is just knowing the playbook and his ability to blitz pick-up. Supposedly he's been studying hard so kudos to him for that.

It'll be interesting to see how many touches he actually gets Sunday.

Too bad KAM didnt have a 2nd round pick in 2025...Could have maybe had a shot at Harvey before Denver did.

purplefaithful wrote:

Yah, 50% chance rain Sunday.
Earlier today on KFAN they were saying the bigger concern about DC is just knowing the playbook and his ability to blitz pick-up. Supposedly he's been studying hard so kudos to him for that.
It'll be interesting to see how many touches he actually gets Sunday.
Too bad KAM didnt have a 2nd round pick in 2025...Could have maybe had a shot at Harvey before Denver did.

I have strong belief that KO wanted Harvey. Which is why I found it weird we passed on Jonah Coleman

Canthony wrote:

I have strong belief that KO wanted Harvey. Which is why I found it weird we passed on Jonah Coleman

Well, if it makes any of us feel better, I think they used that 2nd rd from 25 to move-up for Turner in 24.

As others have said, the more egregious mistake was going WR in 25 (Felton) instead of one of the rb in a deep class.

I believe KAM signed Mason prior, so maybe that was his rationale.

Hindsight...

purplefaithful wrote:

Well, if it makes any of us feel better, I think they used that 2nd rd from 25 to move-up for Turner in 24.
As others have said, the more egregious mistake was going WR in 25 (Felton) instead of one of the rb's in a deep class. I believe KAM signed Mason prior, so maybe that was his rationale.
Hindsight...

Yeah, I am more than Happy with Turner over Harvey. Have a feeling Harvey would have been the pick at 97 if Harvey lasted to where many thought.

greediron wrote:

And Carter has over 1000. So sniffing at #2, but only just over halfway to #1

Yep, 1,004 ~ that's a long ways to go!

To surpass Carter by 1, based on a 17 game season, he would need:

Average of 8.2 receptions per game for next 3 years

Average of 6.15 receptions per game for next 4 years

That's not including play-offs or our Super Bowl!

P.S. ~ Don't quote me on those figures, as my math skills aren't what they used to be. LOL

The Bears released their final injury report ahead of Sunday's first home game of the season. Every player for the Bears will be available for the game.

Kevin O’Connell is 6-2 against the Bears including 4-0 at Solider Field. pic.twitter.com/J1lfpYyNj4

— SleeperVikings (@SleeperVikings) September 19, 2026

This man needs to go NUCLEAR on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/SM3QC6J2VZ

— SleeperVikings (@SleeperVikings) September 18, 2026

At the Bears Week - 2017: Vikings lead, but play terribly for 3 quarters in Soldier Field. Sam Bradford struggles through more than half the game with an injury and Case Keenum finally takes over late. Harrison Smith's late INT is key in the 20-17 Viking win. pic.twitter.com/L6WiQ7scXn

— VikeFans (@VikeFans) September 19, 2026

3 Keys for the Vikings' offense against the Bears in Week 2

📸 Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect https://t.co/HZB4xGODra pic.twitter.com/yTx5rVVKbg

— TheVikingsWire (@TheVikingsWire) September 19, 2026

The Minnesota Vikings are seeking a more consistent offensive performance in Week 2 against the Chicago Bears. Against the Green Bay Packers, the Vikings offense scored 39 points, the third-most in the league last week, but generated 239 yards of offense, 29th in the league.

Some of that can be attributed to good field position set up by turnovers and a 68-yard kick return. Minnesota scored touchdowns on all four red zone trips, with only one of those drives starting on their own side of the field.

They will face a Bears defense that gave up 37 points and 478 yards to the Carolina Panthers in Week 1. Kyler Murray's status is uncertain for Sunday, as is Brian O'Neill's, who missed Thursday's practice with a knee injury. Can the run game carry them if O'Neill is out?

3 Keys for the Vikings' offense against the Bears in Week 2

Commit to the running game

Kevin O'Connell leaned on the run game against the Packers, even though it wasn't always effective. Excluding kneel-downs, the Vikings ran 32 times for 109 yards, averaging 3.4 yards per carry. However, Minnesota ranked 19th in rushing EPA (-0.04) and scored two touchdowns in Sunday's win.

Chicago allowed 5.7 yards per run in Week 1, ranking 22nd in rushing EPA allowed (+0.01). They built a lead that forced the Panthers into a pass-first attack. If the Vikings can keep the game close, which could be powered by an efficient running game, they could not only wear on a shaky Bears defense, but control the ball and set the tempo against a team that wants to score as many points as possible.

Get other receivers involved in the passing game

Justin Jefferson reminded the NFL world just how great he can be with competent quarterback play last week. He caught eight of nine targets for 92 yards and a touchdown, and added a two-point conversion. Oddly, no other Minnesota receiver caught a pass. Jordan Addison was open on two targets, but Wentz threw inaccurate passes on both attempts.

Two years ago, it was Addison, not Jefferson, who terrorized Chicago's secondary at Soldier Field. He caught eight passes for 162 yards and a touchdown while the Bears prioritized eliminating Jefferson from the game, holding him to two catches for 27 yards. That was a different squad with a different coaching staff, but there will be games where teams will dare someone besides Jefferson to beat them.

Protect the football

I feel like I could write this every week, because it's unlikely any coaching staff enters a game wanting to turn the ball over. But no team turned the ball over more than the Vikings in 2025 (30), and no team had more takeaways than Chicago (33).

The teams broke even in the turnover battle in Week 1 last year, with Minnesota winning 27-24. In Week 11, the Vikings turned the ball over twice and had no takeaways, as the Bears won 19-17. Inclement weather could also be a factor, with rain and thunderstorms possible, further emphasizing the importance of ball security.