Behind Enemy Lines: Previewing Bears' Week 2 matchup vs. Vikings

The Chicago Bears will host the Minnesota Vikings in their Week 2 home opener, a game that will determine the early leader in the NFC North.

The Bears are coming off an explosive Week 1 win over the Carolina Panthers, where Chicago totaled nearly 600 yards of offense, eight touchdowns and 59 points. Quarterback Caleb Williams and running backs D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai had standout showings in the run game, which totaled 291 yards and six touchdowns. But the defense had its share of struggles and is looking to bounce back in a key divisional game.

We’re going Behind Enemy Lines with Vikings Wire editor Andrew Harbaugh, who previewed what we can expect from this Minnesota squad on Sunday.

<1 / 61

<2 / 61

<3 / 61

<4 / 61

<5 / 61

<6 / 61

<7 / 61

<8 / 61

<9 / 61

<10 / 61

<11 / 61

<12 / 61

<13 / 61

<14 / 61

<15 / 61

<16 / 61

<17 / 61

<18 / 61

<19 / 61

<20 / 61

<21 / 61

<22 / 61

<23 / 61

<24 / 61

<25 / 61

<26 / 61

<27 / 61

<28 / 61

<29 / 61

<30 / 61

<31 / 61

<32 / 61

<33 / 61

<34 / 61

<35 / 61

<36 / 61

<37 / 61

<38 / 61

<39 / 61

<40 / 61

<41 / 61

<42 / 61

<43 / 61

<44 / 61

<45 / 61

<46 / 61

<47 / 61

<48 / 61

<49 / 61

<50 / 61

<51 / 61

<52 / 61

<53 / 61

<54 / 61

<55 / 61

<56 / 61

<57 / 61

<58 / 61

<59 / 61

<60 / 61

<61 / 61

is cleared from concussion protocol?

Andrew Harbaugh: I think the idea of them starting Carson Wentz even if Murray is healthy makes sense. Wentz has shown himself to be worth installing, and not rushing Murray back from such a nasty hit is a good idea, in my opinion. Wentz can operate the offense, he used Justin Jefferson, and he was able to help lead a comeback against the Packers. For all of those reasons, don’t rush Murray back.

AH: Dallas Turner was a monster in Week 2. The pressures were non-stop; he found Jordan Love for a strip sack, and the speed proved to be evident in his play. I think Turner could become a top edge rusher in the league by seasons end, but its just one week. If he can do what he did this week and disrupt the Bears’ offense, his stock should shoot to the moon.
?

AH: Aaron Jones Sr. still provides a spark, but I think they will be leaning on DeeJay Dallas and Demond Claiborne some as well. The latter of that group has some high praise from Jones in the preseason. I think he can bring a homerun potential to the trio, so look for him to be used in some dynamic ways.
the best matchup in the NFC North?

AH: It might be! Jefferson is coming off the best week he has had in over a year with nearly 100 yards and two touchdowns. He scored twice in all of 2025 so he is already off to a better start than many expected. That being said, Johnson will be a tough test, always is. But Jefferson comes into this matchup with some momentum to his name.

AH: This is going to be a really fun matchup, I think. I don’t know if it will be as high-scoring as Week 1 was for either team, but it could be just as entertaining. I think the Vikings’ defense and the pressure they create can prove to be too much for the Bears and Caleb Williams, but I also thinK Dennis Allen gets to Carson Wentz. As such, I am predicting a 24-20 score with the Vikings getting the upper hand on a late touchdown drive.

Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebookand Instagram