Three keys for Bears vs. Vikings

Three keys for the Bears to win Sunday’s game against the Vikings at Soldier Field:

Beware the blitz

Vikings coordinator Brian Flores, a former Bill Belichick disciple and Dolphins head coach, blitzes more than any other defensive play-caller in the sport. The best way to avoid obvious blitz situations if for the Bears to run the ball well on first down. One problem: the Vikings allow a league-low 74.4 rushing yards per game and force more second-and-long plays than any other team in the sport.

Go deep

Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams is the worst deep-ball quarterback in the NFL this season; no passer has a worse Pro Football Focus grade on throws of 20 yards or more.

“I really think we took a really big step last week,” coach Matt Eberflus said. “We saw some glimpses of that earlier in the season, and I know it’s going to come to fruition there. I know Rome [Odunze] is a really good guy in the deep part of the field. I know DJ [Moore] is. And I know Keenan [Allen] has got that ability too, to work the short area but also work some deep routes too. I just think it’s time on task and just keep working it.

Pick one

Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold has thrown a whopping 10 interceptions this season — including three two weeks ago and two three weeks ago. He’ll need to turn the ball over to give the Bears a chance.