Minnesota Vikings vs Chicago Bears Picks and Prediction for Sunday September 20 2026

The Minnesota Vikings visit the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois, on Sunday, September 20, 2026. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 PM ET with coverage on FOX. Both NFC North teams enter at 1-0 after explosive opening-week performances. Minnesota defeated Green Bay 39-22, while Chicago produced the biggest offensive performance of Week 1 in a 59-37 victory at Carolina. Get into all the NFL action with our free NFL picks.

Minnesota Made a Statement in Week 1

Minnesota's 39-22 victory over Green Bay immediately established the Vikings as a team worth taking seriously. The Vikings weren't facing an easy opponent, yet they created a 17-point margin and started their divisional schedule with an important victory.

Minnesota's ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities was particularly encouraging. Green Bay generated substantial yardage but still finished with only 22 points. The Vikings were much more efficient when their opportunities arrived, and that type of execution becomes even more important in another divisional matchup.

Minnesota also brings an impressive recent history at Soldier Field. The Vikings have won six consecutive games there dating to 2020. That doesn't guarantee another victory, but it demonstrates that playing in Chicago hasn't been an especially difficult assignment for Minnesota recently.

Chicago's 59-Point Opener Changes the Conversation

Chicago couldn't have asked for a more explosive beginning to its season. The Bears went into Carolina and scored 59 points in a 59-37 victory. Scoring at that level is going to attract immediate market attention, particularly when the team returns home the following week.

The Bears entered this season after ranking sixth in the NFL in yards per game and ninth in scoring last year. Week 1 suggests that offensive production hasn't disappeared. Chicago now gets an opportunity to prove the opener wasn't simply the result of a favorable matchup.

Defense is the concern. Allowing 37 points while scoring 59 is perfectly acceptable for one afternoon, but it isn't a sustainable weekly formula. Minnesota scored 39 itself in Week 1 and is much more likely to punish defensive mistakes than an opponent that can't consistently finish drives.

Minnesota Vikings vs Chicago Bears Picks and Prediction

Pick: Minnesota Vikings + Points

Take the Minnesota Vikings with the points. Chicago's 59-point opener was spectacular, but Minnesota was impressive itself in a 39-22 divisional victory. The Vikings have also won six consecutive games at Soldier Field. Unless the market offers Chicago at essentially a pick'em, I prefer taking Minnesota and whatever points are available.

Pick: Over

Take the Over at 49.5 or lower. The opening games involving these teams produced 61 and 96 combined points. Chicago scored 59 but allowed 37, while Minnesota scored 39 against Green Bay. We shouldn't assume another 90-point game, but both offenses demonstrated enough explosiveness to support an Over if the market remains below 50.

Final Picks: Minnesota Vikings + Points and Over 49.5 or Lower