The Minnesota Vikings (4-5) take on the Chicago Bears (6-3). It's a difficult matchup but one in which winning is familiar for the Vikings in 2025.

Minnesota is 2-0 against divisional opponents this season. In the season opener the Vikings defeated the Bears in a close matchup. Minnesota stifled the Chicago run game and limited the Bears through the air. 

In the Vikings' other divisional matchup they defeated the Bears' co-division leader Detroit (6-3) by the same score, 27-24.

For whatever reason, Minnesota is faring much better against top divisional teams than against anyone else. Because of it there's reason to be confident about Sunday's matchup.

There are a few things out of the game that could make Vikings fans to feel confident about their postseason chances. Let's look at a few of them.

J.J. McCarthy Goes For 210 Passing Yards

McCarthy does not have to light up the scoreboard on Sunday. Minnesota has managed to do well without explosive performances from McCarthy. Twice the team has won games with only 143 passing yards from the young quarterback. 

What we would like to see is efficient play at the quarterback position. McCarthy did provide consistent offense against the Ravens in his last game out with 240 passing yards. Crossing the 210-yard mark is perhaps the barrier between a good and bad game for the quarterback. If he can do that, there's reason he could lead this team to a playoff push.

Defense Forces Two Turnovers

The last time the two teams met, Minnesota forced just one turnover on a DJ Moore fumble. The turnover was enough to secure the 27-24 victory, but forcing more certainly increase the margin for error for McCarthy on the other side of the football.

The Vikings will have the advantage of their home crowd to help out an already strong defense, but getting pressure to Caleb Williams will be key to creating havoc. Having only secured two sacks in the first game, Minnesota will need to turn up the pressure.

Justin Jefferson Has Breakout Performance

Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson has had a frustrating season this year. The last two weeks in particular have been frustrating. Jefferson saw 12 targets but was only able to reel in four catches for 37 yards.

The struggle in part was syncing up with McCarthy's passes. That's something Minnesota would like to improve on Sunday. An 80-yard receiving performance would inspire a ton of faith as we move closer to the postseason.