Overview

• The Vikings ruled safety Harrison Smith out due to illness and said he will not travel, elevating Theo Jackson and Jay Ward alongside Josh Metellus.
• Chicago listed linebacker T. J. Edwards as doubtful, with cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon and Josh Blackwell questionable, and running back Roschon Johnson questionable.
• Minnesota also ruled out Zavier Scott and Elijah Williams, with left tackle Christian Darrisaw listed as questionable for a possible return from last year’s knee injury.
• Sportsbooks and simulations shifted toward Minnesota, with lines around Vikings -1.5 and Dimers’ model giving the Vikings roughly a 61% win probability.
• Analysts highlight Minnesota’s reinforced interior rush featuring Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen against a timing-based Bears offense likely to feature D’Andre Swift in the passing game.