The Chicago Bears (1-4) are set to host a divisional foe in the Minnesota Vikings (1-4) on Sunday during a Week 6 NFC North showdown at Soldier Field.

The Bears have lost four straight games head-to-head against the Vikings. However, prior to the four game losing streak, the Bears had won five of six games against the Vikings spanning from 2018-2020.

The Bears will be looking to get back on the right track of this head-to-head rivalry while attempting to salvage their season after a slow start. Chicago earned its first victory of the season in Week 5 defeating the Washington Commanders 40-20.

Minnesota Vikings (1-4) at Chicago Bears (1-4)
Date: Sunday, Oct. 15
Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
Location: Soldier Field – Chicago, Illinois
Betting odds: Bears +3, Over/Under 43.5
How to watch on TV: FOX
Streaming: FOX Sports, NFL+ (Subscription), YouTube Primetime (NFL Sunday Ticket)
Radio: ESPN 1000 (AM 1000, 100.3 FM HD2), SiriusXM (channels 81 or 227)

Can the Bears secondary take advantage of Justin Jefferson's absence?

The Bears secondary looks to be the healthiest it has been all season on Sunday against the Vikings and their job will be a whole lot easier.

The Vikings top offensive weapon, Justin Jefferson, will be inactive for the matchup after being placed on the injured reserve earlier in the week. In the meantime, the Bears are expecting to have cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon back in the secondary, along with safety Eddie Jackson.

Head coach Matt Eberflus said on Friday that the team anticipates having Gordon back on the field and is hopeful Jackson will also return. Gordon has been out since Week 1 and Jackson has missed the last three games.

"Obviously, that nickel spots a big spot for us and [Gordon's] done a good job with that," Eberflus said about the cornerback's return. "There's lot of things in there to do and he does it well, and he's done a good job all week with that. He's a real positive guy, so it's always great to have his energy out there as well."

"It's always good to have his leadership back there," Eberflus added when asked about Jackson's impact on defense. "He makes a lot of calls, he's very communicative back there with the defense and it's good to have him paired with [Jaquan] Brisker."

The Bears defense has allowed 8.0 passing yards per attempt and 1,430 passing yards through five games in 2023. Both stats are the 2nd-most allowed in the NFL this season. The team will need to take advantage of having some major pieces back on Sunday as the unit goes up against Kirk Cousins and the rest of the Vikings offense.

3 other players to watch:

RB D'Onta Foreman- Foreman will serve as the team's starting running back on Sunday with three other backs officially ruled out. The team's free agent signee has been a healthy inactive in four straight games and now finally gets his opportunity.

WR Tyler Scott- Scott is another player looking to take advantage of his opportunities this weekend. The fourth-round rookie will serve as the Bears number three wide receiver going forward after the team placed Equanimeous St. Brown on the IR.

DT Gervon Dexter- The team's second-round selection is more than deserving of the starting role on the defensive line after a big Week 5 performance. Dexter had the 2nd highest PFF grade on the team after having 6 QB pressures and 2 QB hits last week.

Justin Fields can join elite company with another big game vs. Vikings

NFL history is on the line in Chicago