Bears-Vikings Preview

Everything you need to know before Sunday.

In partnership with

The last time the Bears saw the Vikings, their season began with a curveball.

Bears quarterback Caleb Williams spent all week preparing for Vikings Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores’ trademark pressure looks — the all-out blitzes that define Minnesota’s defensive identity. But when the game began, the Vikings’ defensive coordinator flipped the plan on its head.

“That’s why they get paid the big bucks over there, too,” Williams said this week. “You expect them to do something when you’re going into a game plan and into a game. It’s kudos to them for being able to completely change it up.”

That Week 1 matchup was an early wake-up call for Williams, forcing the second-year quarterback to think on his feet and adjust in real time.

“It’s something that I think we’ve done better with since the first game of the year,” he said. “Adjusting throughout the game, adjusting and having answers. Just having open communication on the sideline to all be on the same page.”

Two months later, the Bears take to the road to face Flores’ defense again. And it sounds like Williams is ready for the rematch. Flores’ unit still leads the NFL in blitz rate (58.1 percent), but Williams has proven comfortable under fire, throwing eight touchdowns and no interceptions when blitzed this season. He has learned to trust his pocket, his timing, and the structure of Head Coach Ben Johnson’s offense, while understanding when to extend plays and when to live for the next down.

In Week 1, Chicago had the upper hand for most of the evening before letting quarterback J.J. McCarthy and the Vikings hang around long enough to steal a win. The Bears dominated possession and dictated tempo — they just couldn’t finish. This time, they arrive as a different team. At 6-3, Johnson’s group has found its rhythm and identity.

The rematch offers the Bears more than a chance at revenge — it’s a test of growth. The second-year quarterback who was surprised by Flores’ chess moves in September now returns sharper, steadier, and better equipped to handle the chaos. The setting’s different, but the goal remains the same: Finish what they started.

More Chicago Bears from Bleacher Nation

Ankin Law: Injury Law Made Personal

Bleacher Nation is proud to partner with Ankin Law, where injury law is made personal. Since 1997, Ankin Law’s dedicated team of 80 attorneys and staff has advocated for justice in personal injury, workers’ compensation, medical malpractice, and Social Security Disability cases. With compassion at our core, we’re more than legal representation – we’re your allies in recovery.

More Chicago Sports from Bleacher Nation

Chicago Cubs

A free newsletter with the marketing ideas you need

The best marketing ideas come from marketers who live it.

That’s what this newsletter delivers.

The Marketing Millennials is a look inside what’s working right now for other marketers. No theory. No fluff. Just real insights and ideas you can actually use—from marketers who’ve been there, done that, and are sharing the playbook.

Every newsletter is written by Daniel Murray, a marketer obsessed with what goes into great marketing. Expect fresh takes, hot topics, and the kind of stuff you’ll want to steal for your next campaign.

Because marketing shouldn’t feel like guesswork. And you shouldn’t have to dig for the good stuff.

Chicago Blackhawks

Chicago Bulls