In what many are calling a potential high-level chess matchup, the Chicago Bears will have their home opener this Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. Fresh off their 59 point outing over the Carolina Panthers in Week 1, the Bears will look to continue their winning ways to start the 2026 season.
Minnesota is coming off a win of their own, after they mounted a fourth-quarter comeback over the Green Bay Packers with backup quarterback Carson Wentz, who took over for Kyler Murray, who suffered a concussion early in the game. Murray is still currently in concussion protocol, and his status for Minnesota's visit to Soldier Field is unknown, meaning Wentz could be back under center on Sunday.
With both teams scoring over 30 points in their first game
of the season, points should be expected in this one. However, the most intriguing matchup will be between Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores and Bears head coach Ben Johnson.
Here are the top three offensive keys for this Week 2, NFC North divisional matchup:
Establish the ground game
For the third time since the start of the 2025 season when head coach Ben Johnson took over, the Bears had a game of at least 250 yards rushing in last week's win over the Panthers. Between D'Andre Swift, Kyle Monangai, and Caleb Williams, the Bears totaled 291 yards on the ground in their regular season opener, with both running backs totaling over 100 rushing yards each. Most of the credit for the Bears rushing attack came because of the team's ability to block at every level, including the wide receivers who made standout plays in the Week 1 victory. Getting the ground game established early could be the most significant key every week for Chicago to expand their offense.
Let the ball fly
Although they came away with the victory over the Packers last week, the Vikings gave up 387 passing yards to Jordan Love, while also allowing 16 passing first downs in the game. If their first game of the season, Minnesota showed a real weakness for defending the passing game. The biggest eye-opener for the Bears could be the fact that the Packers had an 81-yard passing touchdown to wide receiver Christian Watson, and with the playmakers on Chicago's offense, there could be plenty of opportunity for big plays through the air.
Find ways to get Colston Loveland involved
Given all the success the Bears had in their first game of the season, one of the lone negatives of their offensive showing was the lack of production from tight end Colston Loveland. A player who was listed as a major breakout candidate for this season, Loveland ended the game with zero receptions on just two targets, so there should be an emphasis to get him the ball in this upcoming matchup. Even with all the team achieved on offense, it was veteran Kalif Raymond who led the Bears in receiving yards last week with 84 yards on eight receptions, meaning the team's trio of young star playmakers are waiting for their opportunity to make a real impact.
Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 3 keys for Bears offense vs. Vikings in Week 2
