The Minnesota Vikings' 5-0 start and defensive dominance under coordinator Brian Flores have positioned them as the consensus favorite to claim the season series, highlighted by their 9-3 Week 2 road win over the Bears at Soldier Field in rainy conditions. Chicago, now 3-2, has dropped both divisional contests this year after that low-scoring defeat, where Caleb Williams exited with a hamstring injury and the offense managed just three points against Minnesota's aggressive front. The Vikings' strong turnover margin and run defense, paired with Aaron Jones' production, have sustained their edge despite an offense ranked in the middle of the league. With the rematch set for U.S. Bank Stadium in Week 18, traders see the Vikings as slight favorites to sweep while acknowledging the realistic path to a split if the Bears rebound in their final NFC North matchup.