The 4-6 Chicago Bears will play the 8-2 Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field in a Week 12 matchup. Here’s what you need to know before kickoff (noon, Fox-32).
5 things to watch — plus our predictions
Bears defensive end Montez Sweat takes the field before a game against the Rams on Sept. 29, 2024, at Soldier Field. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
Defensive end Montez Sweat was forthright when asked how he is feeling as the Bears prep for the Vikings.
“We’re on a three- or four-game losing streak? I’m pretty (expletive) frustrated,” he said.
It’s not just the losing streak that has dampened Sweat’s spirits recently. He has been on the injury report more than he has been used to, first with a shin bruise and then with an ankle injury, though he is now off it and good to play Sunday. And he hasn’t recorded a sack since Oct. 27, sitting at 3½ for the season.
The Bears pass rush in general has been lacking of late, with just one sack in each of the last two games, and that’s obviously something they’d like to change as they attack Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold. Read more here.
Caleb Williams’ big test
Bears quarterback Caleb Williams keeps the ball on a first-quarter run against the Packers on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, at Soldier Field. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams will venture deeper into NFC North competition in Sunday’s game.
With the Bears staggering through a four-game losing streak, Williams will have to do his part this week to put the team back on track. And the pressure will remain intense Sunday — from both a blitz-happy Vikings defense and the urgency the Bears face to keep their season alive. Read more here.
Jaylon Johnson vs. Justin Jefferson
Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson kneels near the bench after loss to the Packers at Soldier Field on Nov. 17, 2024. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson has new, even bigger challenges when he faces the Vikings and wide receiver Justin Jefferson.
After an injury-marred 2023 season, Jefferson has 59 catches for 912 yards and five touchdowns in 10 games. He has totaled fewer than 81 receiving yards in a game just twice this season and was deemed “a very special player” by Bears cornerbacks coach Jon Hoke.
Jefferson and Johnson were both drafted in 2020 and have played for the division rivals since. So it’s an oddity that in eight opportunities they’ve met only two other times — on Jan. 9, 2022, and Nov. 16, 2020. Jefferson totaled a combined 13 catches for 242 yards and a touchdown in those games. Read more here.
Yes Chef!
Chef Marcos Asencio checks on his squid, shrimp, and chorizo paella while tailgating with fellow chefs Alex Martinez (left) and Oliver Poilevey (right) in the 31st Street parking lot before a game between the Chicago Bears and the New England Patriots at Soldier Field on Nov. 10, 2024. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
A group raises pastries up in the air in a toast as chefs Oliver Poilevey, Marcos Asencio, and Alex Martinez tailgate with friends and acquaintances before Bears game on Nov. 10, 2024. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Chef Alex Martinez finishes the squid, shrimp, and chorizo paella off with a squeeze of fresh charred lemon for new friend Robert McClendon while tailgating before a game between the Chicago Bears and the New England Patriots at Soldier Field on Nov. 10, 2024. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Chef Oliver Poilevey (left) shows off a knife to new friends tailgating in the 31st Street parking lot on Nov. 10, 2024. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Chef Marcos Asencio (center) dishes out squid, shrimp, and chorizo paella as fellow chefs Alex Martinez (left) and Oliver Poilevey (right) prepare food during a tailgate with friends and acquaintances in the 31st Street parking lot before a game between the Chicago Bears and the New England Patriots at Soldier Field on Nov. 10, 2024. The three colleagues and friends are Bears season ticket holders. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Paris Simone takes a bite while tailgating with chefs Oliver Poilevey, Marcos Asencio, and Alex Martinez, in the 31st Street parking lot before a Bears game at Soldier Field on Nov. 10, 2024. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Chef Marcos Asencio checks on his squid, shrimp, and chorizo paella while tailgating before a Chicago Bears game at Soldier Field on Nov. 10, 2024. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Chef Oliver Poilevey prepares tuna sashimi while tailgating with fellow chefs Marcos Asencio and Alex Martinez before a Bears game on Nov. 10, 2024. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Chef Oliver Poilevey works a Japanese grill while tailgating with fellow chefs Marcos Asencio (left) and Alex Martinez, in the 31st Street parking lot the Chicago Bears take on the New England Patriots at Soldier Field on Nov. 10, 2024. The three colleagues and friends are Bears season ticket holders. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Octopus cooks on a Japanese grill as chefs Oliver Poilevey, Marcos Asencio, and Alex Martinez, tailgate before a Bears game at Soldier Field on Nov. 10, 2024. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Onlookers check out the squid, shrimp, and chorizo paella made by chefs Oliver Poilevey Marcos Asencio and Alex Martinez on Nov. 10, 2024. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Sauces are added to the Torres de Mariscos as chefs Oliver Poilevey, Marcos Asencio, and Alex Martinez, tailgate with friends and acquaintances before a game between the Chicago Bears and the New England Patriots at Soldier Field on Nov. 10, 2024. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
The squid, shrimp, and chorizo paella being cooked by chef Marcos Asencio on Nov. 10, 2024. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Alex Martinez hands over an oyster to Marcos Asencio (center) as Oliver Poilevey cleans up as the three chefs tailgate with friends and acquaintances before a game between the Chicago Bears and the New England Patriots at Soldier Field on Nov. 10, 2024. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Chef Oliver Poilevey places caviar on the wrist of Jose Garcia-Chow while tailgating on Nov. 10, 2024. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Truffle is grated onto a French scramble eggs dish. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Jose Garcia-Chow (cq) consumes an oyster while tailgating with chefs Oliver Poilevey (cq), Marcos Asencio (cq), and Alex Martinez (cq), in the 31st St. parking lot before a game between the Chicago Bears and the New England Patriots at Soldier Field in Chicago on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. The three chefs and close friends are Bears season ticket holders. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Chef Alex Martinez finishes the squid, shrimp, and chorizo paella off with a squeeze of fresh charred lemon. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Jose Garcia-Chow (cq) prepares to eat an oyster while tailgating with chefs Oliver Poilevey (cq), Marcos Asencio (cq), and Alex Martinez (cq), in the 31st St. parking lot before a game between the Chicago Bears and the New England Patriots at Soldier Field in Chicago on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. The three chefs and close friends are Bears season ticket holders. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Smoke rises from the dry aged ribeye beside shrimp on a Japanese grill. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Passerby watch as chef Marcos Asencio dishes out squid, shrimp, and chorizo paella while tailgating with friends and acquaintances in the 31st Street parking lot on Nov. 10, 2024. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Chef Oliver Poilevey retrieves items from a cutting board while tailgating with friends and acquaintances on Nov. 10, 2024. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
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Chef Marcos Asencio checks on his squid, shrimp, and chorizo paella while tailgating with fellow chefs Alex Martinez (left) and Oliver Poilevey (right) in the 31st Street parking lot before a game between the Chicago Bears and the New England Patriots at Soldier Field on Nov. 10, 2024. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
It’s a question Oliver Poilevey, Marcos Ascencio and Alex Martinez get asked a lot when they tailgate at Bears’ home games.
They hear it while setting up their butane burners and putting the blue-and-white tablecloths on their folding tables. They hear it when doing prep work. And they definitely hear it once the various dishes — seafood paella, truffle-topped soft scrambled eggs and brioche French toast with foie gras, for example — are ready and shared with those fortunate to be nearby.
No surprise then that the answer is a resounding yes. Read more here.
About last week
Bears place kicker Cairo Santos (8) kicks a 46-yard field goal attempt, which is blocked by Packers defensive end Karl Brooks (94), for a 20-19 loss at Soldier Field. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Packers players celebrate as Bears kicker Cairo Santos (8) stands alone after a 46-yard field-goal attempt was blocked as time expired on Nov. 17, 2024, at Soldier Field. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
A Packers fan celebrates surrounded by Bears fans after a Packers touchdown in the fourth quarter. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Bears quarterback Caleb Williams heads for the locker room after a 20-19 loss to the Packers. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) celebrates after the Packers defeated the Chicago Bears, 20-19. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
A Bears fan yells from the stands during the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Bears place kicker Cairo Santos (8) walks off the field after his kick was blocked by Green Bay Packers defensive end Karl Brooks (94) to give the Packers a 20-19 win over the Bears. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) breaks a tackle from Green Bay Packers defensive end Kingsley Enagbare (55) during the third quarter. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
A Bears fan cheers while Packers fans boo as Bears players are introduced at Soldier Field. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Bears linebacker Tremaine Edmunds (49) eyes the Packers offense in the third quarter on Nov. 17, 2024. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) dives just short of the end zone while being tackled by Chicago Bears safety Kevin Byard III (31) during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field on Nov. 17, 2024. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (9) celebrates after making a catch for a first down past Chicago Bears cornerback Kyler Gordon (6) during the fourth quarter. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Bears head coach Matt Eberflus walks the sideline in the first quarter against the Packers. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Bears running back Roschon Johnson (23) leaps over Packers cornerback Carrington Valentine (24) in the third quarter. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (9) makes a catch for a first down past Chicago Bears cornerback Kyler Gordon (6) during the fourth quarter. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Green Bay Packers fans cheer from the stands during the third quarter against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Bears cornerback Kyler Gordon (6) grabs the undershirt of Packers running back Chris Brooks (30) in the second quarter. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
A Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers fan stand next to each other during the fourth quarter. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Green Bay Packers defensive end Karl Brooks (94) celebrates with Green Bay Packers defensive end Rashan Gary (52) and Green Bay Packers running back Chris Brooks (30) after Brooks blocked a kick from Chicago Bears place kicker Cairo Santos (8) to give the Packers a 20-19 win over the Bears. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Fans celebrate after the Packers defeated the Chicago Bears, 20-19, at Soldier Field on Nov. 17, 2024. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Green Bay Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon (25) celebrates after Chicago Bears place kicker Cairo Santos (8) kick was blocked by Green Bay Packers defensive end Karl Brooks (94) to give the Packers a, 20-19, win over the Bears at Soldier Field Sunday Nov. 17, 2024, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Bears quarterback Caleb Williams keeps the ball for a run in the first quarter against the Packers at Soldier Field on Nov. 17, 2024. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Bears running back D’Andre Swift (4) falls to the ground after a run in the first quarter against the Packers. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Bears cornerback Terell Smith (32) celebrates after getting an interception during the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Bears safety Kevin Byard III (31) tackles Packers running back Josh Jacobs to prevent a third down conversion in the first quarter. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney (29) guards Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet (85) while a pass from Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) flies over them for a failed two-point conversion during the third quarter. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Bears safety Elijah Hicks (22) pushes Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) out-of-bounds during the second quarter at Soldier Field Sunday Nov. 17, 2024, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Packers and Bears fans cheer in the third quarter. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) throws a first down pass in the last minute of the game during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Bears safety Kevin Byard III (31) celebrates after tackling Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) during the second quarter at Soldier Field on Nov. 17, 2024. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards (53) tackles Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) during the second quarter. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Bears tight end Cole Kmet (85) is tackled after a reception in the fourth quarter against the Packers on Nov. 17, 2024. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs runs the ball in for a touchdown during the third quarter. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Bears fans show their disappointment after a Packers first down in the fourth quarter. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is sacked by Packers defensive tackle T.J. Slaton (93) during the final drive of the game at Soldier Field. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Bears running back D’Andre Swift (4) runs the ball in for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field on Nov. 17, 2024. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Packers fans cheer as Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10), bottom right, is tackled near the end zone in the fourth quarter. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
A Packers fan celebrates a first down near the Bears end zone in the fourth quarter at Soldier Field. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) reaches for but cannot make a catch in the end zone as Packers cornerback Carrington Valentine (24) defends in the third quarter. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Bears quarterback Caleb Williams runs from Packers linebacker Quay Walker on Nov. 17, 2024, at Soldier Field. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Bears cornerback Terell Smith (32), center, celebrates with teammates after making an interception in the second quarter against the Packers. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Bears defensive end Montez Sweat runs toward Packers quarterback Jordan Love in the first quarter on Nov. 17, 2024, at Soldier Field. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) dives just short of the end zone while being tackled by Chicago Bears safety Kevin Byard III (31) during the fourth quarter on Nov. 17, 2024. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards (53) tackles Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) just short of the end zone on fourth down during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore (2) celebrates iwht Chicago Bears running back D’Andre Swift (4) after Swift scored a touchdown during the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Green Bay Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon (25) falls on the field while running the ball during the third quarter against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) runs for a first down in the third quarter against the Packers on Nov. 17, 2024. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Bears quarterback Caleb Williams warms up before a game against the Packers. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Bears running back D’Andre Swift (4) rushes for a touchdown in the third quarter against the Packers at Soldier Field. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Bears offensive coordinator Thomas Brown walks the perimeter of the field before a game against the Packers at Soldier Field on Nov. 17, 2024, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
A sculpture of President-elect Donald Trump sits on a table while fans tailgate before the Bears play the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Bears head coach Matt Eberflus, left, talks with former player Charles Tillman before a game against the Packers. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Bears running back D’Andre Swift talks with a friend before the game on Nov. 17, 2024. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, right, laughs while talking with former NFL quarterback Tom Brady before a game against the Packers on Nov. 17, 2024. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
A Packers fan walks outside the field before the Bears play the Green Bay Packers. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Chris Pasminski, 33, wears a cheese grater hat while tailgating before the Bears play the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field on Sunday. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Bears offensive coordinator Thomas Brown hugs wide receiver DeAndre Carter before a game against the Packers. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Michael Miller, 68, holds a bear dressed as a Green Bay Packers’ player on a rope while tailgating. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
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Bears place kicker Cairo Santos (8) kicks a 46-yard field goal attempt, which is blocked by Packers defensive end Karl Brooks (94), for a 20-19 loss at Soldier Field. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
“Most teams in this league, it’s a .500 league,” LaFleur said. “You have to find a way to win some of these tight games like we did.”
LaFleur is right. The NFL is designed to create parity. The good teams that are well-coached and manage to remain healthy find ways to pull ahead of the pack. The bad rosters, teams that are poorly coached and ones that get beat up with injuries are stragglers. Read more here.
Looking ahead
Chicago Bears fans Jim and Patti Cryer, of Plainfield, wear Thanksgiving-themed hats before a game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019, in Detroit.(John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
The NFL has scheduled games on Thanksgiving since the league’s inception. Playing on Thanksgiving is nothing new for the Bears, who have done it 37 times — the third most in the NFL — with another game at Detroit’s Ford Field on Nov. 28.
Known as the Decatur and then Chicago Staleys for its first two Thanksgiving games, the Bears competed on the November holiday annually for 19 consecutive years from 1920-38. The venue that has hosted the Bears most on Thanksgiving — 11 times — is Wrigley Field.
Here’s a look back at the team’s record on the holiday. Read more here.
