The Minnesota Vikings will be facing a completely different Chicago Bears team than when the two NFC North rivals met in Week 1. Moreover, both teams went in different directions after the Vikings secured the victory to open the 2025 NFL season.
Minnesota is 4-5 and was unable to build off its Week 9 win over the Detroit Lions by losing to the Baltimore Ravens at home in Week 10, which prevented the team from climbing back to a winning record.
On the other hand, the Bears are 6-3 and have lost only once in their last seven games, with that defeat also coming at the hands of the Ravens on October 26. Furthermore, Chicago’s emergence as a playoff contender is due to Caleb Williams’ heroics late in games, as the Bears have won several tight matchups this season.
Ahead of the Week 11 game, Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores was asked about Williams’ ability to help Chicago come out on top in their close games.
“He’s proven that in those moments he’s come up big multiple times,” Flores told reporters on November 11. “It looks like he thrives in those situations, which for a young quarterback is certainly an area you want to see.
“For us, we know that when it comes down to those moments—which most NFL games do—we’ve got to be at our best because he’s going to be at his best, and so are they. It’s a division game, so that’s probably what it’s going to be: A 60-minute battle. We’ve got to prepare the right way. It’s going to be a big challenge.”
Vikings Defense Warned About Caleb Williams
Flores and his unit likely know what to expect from Williams at this point, but they might be facing a Bears star who isn’t afraid of the pressure moments now. Nonetheless, former NFL coach Dave Wannstedt has sent a warning to the Vikings’ defense ahead of their contest on November 16.
“The last two minutes of the game [against the New York Giants], I’ll tell you what, the first thought that comes to my mind is Caleb Williams almost performs better when he’s under pressure than when he’s in the flow of the game, if that makes sense,” Wannstedt said on November 9 on Marquee Sports Network. “You talk about avoiding the rush. I think the guy avoided six sacks today. Not just sacks where guys ran by, I’m talking about where they had a hand on him.
“It’s just incredible what he can do to keep a play alive. And these are unscripted plays. If you’re a wide receiver, tight end, or running back on our team, we’re going to call the play in the huddle. This is it. This is what we’re all trying to do. Everybody got it? Good.”
Vikings Get Positive Update
The Vikings’ defense will have its hands full against the Bears, but they might have a couple of players ready to go for this game. Jonathan Greenard suffered a shoulder injury in the loss to the Ravens, but that might have been a scare and a precautionary approach to keep him out of the contest.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell shared at Monday’s press conference that there was “good news” following a closer look at the shoulder (h/t Pro Football Talk).
He noted the team will “see how he does throughout the week,” leaving open the possibility that the player could suit up against the Chicago Bears in Week 11. O’Connell also confirmed that safety Theo Jackson has passed the concussion protocol and is expected to return to play this week.
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