As I will likely be in church up until moments before the opening kickoff of the Vikings-Bears game tomorrow, I would like to quickly give my predictions as to what will transpire at Soldier Field:
As much as I want the Vikings to beat the Bears on their own home turf, I just don't see it happening tomorrow for two reasons: First, the Bears actually have a better offense than the Vikings this season (quite a mind-boggling statement if you have followed the Bears the last few years). They finally have a QB, in Kyle Orton, who can move the team down the field, and that is pretty much all a team needs to beat the Vikings. Plus, RB Matt Forte is a tough runner (in typical Bears style) who will not be deterred by a few early stuffs by the Williams duo (which is always a good possibility).
Secondly, the one weak link in the Bears' defense right now is their pass defense, which just so happens to be the area in which you can get away with being weak in and still beat the Vikes. As he seemingly always does, Brian Urlacher and Co. will step up his game against the run in a big divisional game. So, the Vikings will very likely have to win the game through the air, which I feel they are completely not capable of doing.
Finally, the Bears also have the game-changer who is Devin Hester, while the Vikings rely on Robert Ferguson and Maurice Hicks in that "special" teams area. Enough said.
Final Score: Bears 24, Vikings 16
