The 2026 season is off to a blazing start for the Chicago Bears after their big win over the Carolina Panthers
, but an important divisional matchup awaits them in Week 2, and a win would go a long way when it comes to defending the NFC North. The Bears (1-0) are set to welcome the Minnesota Vikings (1-0) to Soldier Field for their home opener on Sunday to see which team can start their year 2-0 and take hold of the division lead.Chicago flexed their offensive firepower against the Panthers as they won 59-37 in the biggest shootout ever in Week 1. Quarterback Caleb Williams delivered two passing touchdowns and added two more on the ground, while running backs D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai combined for 224 rushing yards and four touchdowns.
The Vikings, meanwhile, overcame adversity to stun the Green Bay Packers by winning 39-22. Quarterback Kyler Murray exited early with a concussion, and the offense was led by Carson Wentz the rest of the way. Wentz played well in relief and slowly brought the Vikings back after being down 22-10 late in the third quarter. With a mix of timely offensive production and all-out blitzes on defense, the Vikings took care of business in the end.
Now that we have some regular-season games to pull from, let's take a look at these five Minnesota players and how they could impact the game one way or another. Here are five Vikings players to watch this Sunday.
1. RB Aaron Jones
Minnesota was dealt a blow this week when they lost running back Jordan Mason to injured reserve due to a thumb injury, which means the backfield once again belongs to veteran and notorious Bear killer Aaron Jones. Now in his third season with the Vikings after re-signing with them this offseason, Jones isn't the same runner he was earlier in his career. He's coming off his worst season since his rookie year and had fallen behind Mason prior to the injury.
Now that Jones is once again the primary ball carrier, however, he's still a threat to make the Bears' defense miserable. Last year, Jones scored a receiving touchdown in the season opener against Chicago and totaled 81 yards from scrimmage in their Week 11 matchup. Jones has more rushing yards (997) and total touchdowns (14) against the Bears than any other opponent. Even though the Bears' defens
2. WR Justin Jefferson
We still don't know who will be quarterbacking the Vikings on Sunday with Kyler Murray in concussion protocol. Whether it's him or Carson Wentz, we know Justin Jefferson will be the top target and the most concerning player on the field. Jefferson started the year on a high note with eight catches for 92 yards and two scores in last week's win. It was his first multi-touchdown game since Week 16 of the 2024 season.
Though Jefferson had a down year in 2025, he showed why he deserves to be called one of the best receivers in the game. And now he gets to face a Bears defense that allowed 361 passing yards to the Panthers. And no disrespect to their skill players, but none of them hold a candle to Jefferson. The Vikings will pepper him early and often to spark their offense, and he is more than capable of lighting up a sketchy Bears secondary.
3. EDGE Dallas Turner
It looks like Dallas Turner has turned a corner, both literally and figuratively. Last season, something clicked for Turner as he finished the year strong, totaling 5.5 of his 8.0 sacks in the final eight games. The Vikings then dealt starting edge rusher Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles, paving the way for the 2024 first-round pick to start, and he took advantage of the opportunity.
Turner totaled two tackles, one sack, a forced fumble, nine pressures, and seven QB hits against the Packers. That was partly due to defensive coordinator Brian Flores' maniacal blitzing, but he was still very effective. He'll have a tougher time against the Bears' offensive line, but don't discount the speedy edge rusher. He'll be someone to watch if and when Williams breaks contain and tries to scramble for yards too.
4. DT Domonique Orange
The Vikings invested in a pair of defensive linemen early in the 2026 NFL Draft. Their first-round pick, Caleb Banks, has had a rough start, but third-round pick Domonique Orange, AKA Big Citrus, had a notable debut at defensive tackle. Orange recorded two tackles, with one for a loss in 22 defensive snaps. His big moment came when he stuffed Packers quarterback Jordan Love on a QB sneak, which helped turn the tides of the game.
Orange is still getting his feet under him and could struggle against a stout veteran offensive line like Chicago's. Having to go up against the likes of Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson with Garrett Bradbury in the middle is no easy task. But with how much the Bears like to run between the tackles and what they ask of their interior linemen, it will be interesting to see what role the rookie out of Iowa State plays. Hopefully he won't be making any game-changing stops.
5. CB Byron Murphy Jr.
The front seven of the Vikings defense might be adept at generating pressure and causing chaos up front, but the backend has shown to be a liability through one week, particularly cornerback Byron Murphy. Against the Packers, Murphy allowed seven receptions on 11 targets for 120 yards. The Packers looked his way plenty of times as he led the team in tackles with eight.
Watson ate Murphy's lunch on Sunday, and the Bears' receivers can do the same. Minnesota utilized heavy zone coverages against the Packers, with Murphy playing opponents deep, and the Bears have multiple players who can create opportunities underneath, like they did in Carolina. We'll see how the Vikings deploy Murphy and their other defensive backs, but if Week 1 is any indication, he could be a liability in coverage.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 5 Vikings players to watch vs. Bears
