Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears Picks, Odds, Predictions, and Player Props for Week 2

When Ben Johnson came out and said he wanted the Chicago Bears to break the scoring record, he meant it, kicking off their year with a 59-37 win over the Carolina Panthers. Heading into their Week 2 matchup against Minnesota, Caleb Williams will need to continue to be a magician in the pocket while fighting off relentless pressure.

Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears Betting Odds For Week 2

Spread: Bears -4.5 (-108, BetMGM)
Moneyline: Bears (-205, DraftKings)
Game Total: 48 (Over -110/Under -110)

After struggling with his efficiency last year, Williams has been able to get off to a hot start this season, hovering in the top-five in EPA, CPOE and success rate while averaging 10.8 air yards per reception. His success under center has turned the Bears into a dominant unit on offense, leading the league in DVOA.

The Minnesota Vikings, meanwhile, have question marks looming over them after Kyler Murray suffered a concussion in the season opener, potentially giving Carson Wentz the start if their QB1 is unable to suit up. When Murray went down, Wentz was able to keep them competitive, throwing for three touchdowns in a 39-22 win over Green Bay.

Whether it is Wentz or Murray, either QB will need to be flawless in order to keep up with the Bears or risk falling too deep into a hole to climb out of.

Prediction & Pick For Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears Week 2 Matchup

The Pick: Bears Team Total Over 26.5 (-120, DraftKings)

Even though we should temper our expectations after routing the Carolina Panthers, it’s tough to ignore how incredible the Bears looked on offense. They didn't even receive any production from Colston Loveland, a key piece of the offense who is expected to play a major role this season.

With positive regression looming large over their TE1, the Bears will become even more versatile through the air, making it nearly impossible for opposing secondaries to hold their own in coverage. When stretched out, D’Andre Swift’s running lanes will widen, increasing his chances of creating an explosive run.

While a matchup against the Minnesota Vikings normally brings an offense back down to reality, their heavy use of the blitz may come back to bite them, with Williams leading the league in EPA/pressured dropback. When they are unable to bring Williams down with their pressure, the middle of the defense will be exposed, creating more space for pass catchers to exploit.

If the Vikings decide to anchor their LBs, then Williams will be able to take off and run once a running lane opens up while they are scrambled in coverage, keeping the offense ahead of the sticks. With clear paths to the red zone, expect the Bears to build on their red-hot momentum and clear the over on their team total.

Best Player Prop Bet For Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears

Caleb Williams - o224.5 Passing Yards (-111, DraftKings)

When given the protection he needs to reduce the amount of havoc in his throws, Williams is able to avoid throwing a back-breaking interception to sustain their drives down the field. That was on full display in their dominant performance against the Panthers, exiting Week 1 ranked first overall in pass-protect win rate while Williams kept a clean sheet on 29 attempts.

Even with the Bears' PFF grade indicating the offensive line is poised to take a step back against the Vikings, Williams will be able to brush aside regression with his scrambling ability while picking apart their gaps in coverage. The Vikings' heavy use of the blitz will also leave their corners on islands, improving Williams' probability of creating an explosive play through the air with fewer bodies near the point of reception.

To help increase your exposure, escalator bet Williams' passing yardage prop by placing smaller wagers on his alternate overs given the upside of this matchup.