The Sun-Times’ experts offer their picks for the Bears’ game Monday night against the Vikings at Soldier Field:
RICK MORRISSEY
Vikings 24-20
The Bears have lost three straight games, and the Vikings have won two in a row, including a victory over the Packers. That’s reason enough to give Minnesota the nod in this one. The Vikings’ defense is near the bottom of the league in more than a few categories, but do the reeling Bears have enough talent on offense to take advantage? I don’t think so. Season: 5-4.
RICK TELANDER
Bears 21-20
Dalvin Cook, Schmalvin Cook! Sure, he ran for 369 yards the last two games. With 109 receiving yards, to boot. Who cares? Not the mighty Bears defense. Forget the pitiful offense. Ain’t losing four in a row. Season: 6-3.
PATRICK FINLEY
Bears 23-20
This feels like a “kitchen sink” game for the Bears, who will throw everything they can at the Vikings in a desperate attempt to get to 6-4 and prevent a bye week’s worth of hand-wringing. Season: 8-1.
JASON LIESER
Bears 20-13
It won’t be pretty, but Bears games rarely are. The Bears have always handled Cook and showed last week against Derrick Henry they can still shut down top running backs. That would leave Kirk Cousins to beat them. He can’t. Season: 3-6.
MARK POTASH
Bears 24-20
The Bears are mired in a little difficulty and their offensive line situation is problematic, but they match up well with the 3-5 Vikings (4-0 under Matt Nagy) and could get an offensive boost if they switch play-callers. Season: 5-4.