Two of Week 1’s most entertaining teams come together for an NFC North slugfest.
When Kyler Murray went down in the Vikings 39-22 win over the Packers, it wasn’t the first time Carson Wentz put up loud numbers in relief.
The 33-year-old vet threw for three touchdowns after entering the game in the first quarter and steered Minnesota to a comeback victory with 29 unanswered points.
The Vikings have now won six straight games dating back to last season with Wentz set to return under center in Week 2 against the Bears.
Vikings vs. Bears prediction, best bet
While Chicago is rolling off their franchise-record 59 points they just dropped on Carolina, they were repeatedly beaten through the air by the Panthers, allowing Bryce Young to throw for 361 yards.
The poor coverage made for a 28th overall ranking in explosive-play rate allowed and 22nd in efficiency.
Wentz is a gunslinger and I expect his aggressive downfield passing to be a big problem for Chicago now facing the elite talents of Justin Jefferson, who scored twice last week, and Jordan Addison.
Jordan Mason was the Vikings’ more effective runner over Aaron Jones, and since he’s out with a thumb injury, the receiving corps becomes even more critical.
Wentz won’t have a choice but to be aggressive anyway when having to answer Caleb Williams, who has emerged as one of the NFL’s most dangerous off-script playmakers.
Williams’ four total touchdowns and 334 scrimmage yards were earned through his elusiveness, off-platform throwing and ability to thrive in challenging situations.
Chicago ranks fifth in offensive efficiency and sixth in explosive-play rate through Week 1, so the Bears have multiple avenues to attack Brian Flores’ aggressive defense.
Betting on the NFL?
The Vikings pressured Jordan Love on 54.3 percent of his dropbacks last week, the highest mark for any quarterback in the NFL.
For all the pressure Flores’ heavy blitzing can create, it also provides opportunities for explosive plays when quarterbacks identify where exactly the pressure is coming from.
Besides, Minnesota ranked 29th in explosive-play rate allowed.
Expect another barnburner Sunday.
THE PLAY: Over 48 (-105, BetMGM)
Why Trust New York Post Betting
Sean Treppedi handicaps the NFL, NHL, MLB and college football for the New York Post. He primarily focuses on picks that reflect market value while tracking trends to mitigate risk.
