The Minnesota Vikings are seeking their seventh straight win at Soldier Field this Sunday. They are currently 5.5-point underdogs to the Chicago Bears, the reigning NFC North champions, coming off a 59-37 thrashing of the Carolina Panthers.
Waiting until late in the third quarter to get rolling could be too little, too late against a Bears squad that is preparing for its home opener. That means a fast start with an offense that could be manned by Carson Wentz. The revamped running game will be without Jordan Mason, who was placed on injured reserve on Wednesday.
That means Minnesota will need key players to step up and win their individual matchups. If they can, the Vikings have a chance to pull off the upset and start 2-0 not only in the season,
but also in the division.
3 Matchups to watch between the Vikings and Bears in Week 2
Dallas Turner vs Braxton Jones
We finally saw Turner step up into the role everyone envisioned when he was drafted 17th overall in the 2024 draft. Against the Packers, Turner generated a career-high 10 pressures and tied with Blake Cashman for an NFL-high seven quick pressures (<2.5 seconds), per Next Gen Stats.
Most QB pressures in Week 1, per @NextGenStats:
— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) September 15, 2026
Dallas Turner - 10
Aidan Hutchinson - 10
Trey Hendrickson - 8
Blake Cashman - 8
Tavius Robinson - 7
Jalyx Hunt - 7
Turner nearly matched his entire rookie-season pressure total (15) this week. pic.twitter.com/35x2QkQtWR
Can he repeat the performance against Jones, who allowed 15 pressures on 136 pass-block snaps in 2025? Jones registered a 63.3 PFF grade in Week 1, although he received a 51.9 pass-block grade after allowing two pressures and hurries.
Andrew Van Ginkel vs whoever is at right tackle
You might see a theme here. Van Ginkel was phenomenal against Green Bay as well, leading the Vikings with 1.5 sacks, forcing a fumble and recovering it on one sack of Jordan Love. His ability to sniff out screens can alter how the Bears try to combat heavy pass-rushes.
Chicago right tackle Darnell Wright (knee) didn't practice Wednesday, leaving his availability uncertain. When healthy, Wright is one of the league's best tackles, earning second-team All-Pro honors in 2025. His 84.0 grade last week ranked first among all tackles in the league on Sunday. If he plays, Van Ginkel's hands will be full. If Wright is out, though, Van Ginkel and the entire Minnesota defense will be breathing a sigh of relief.
Justin Jefferson vs Jaylon Johnson
Jefferson got back on track in Week 1, matching his 2025 season total with two touchdowns in an eight-catch, 92-yard performance that included a two-point conversion. Wentz gave him a shot on the 39-yard touchdown pass after Packers EDGE rusher Lukas Van Ness jumped offsides, providing the kind of high-reward play the Vikings lacked in 2025.
Chicago cornerback Jaylon Johnson struggled in Week 1. Per Next Gen Stats, he allowed six completions on eight targets for 131 yards and a touchdown. The Bears may try to bracket Jefferson and not rely on Johnson to go 1-on-1 all day, but it will be up to Minnesota to continue finding creative ways to get their best player the ball.
If Jefferson can get going again, the Vikings may have a chance to break the game open on offense. His inclusion can open up holes in the secondary for other pass-catchers, as well as softening the box where Minnesota can run the ball.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: 3 Matchups to watch between the Vikings and Bears in Week 2
