The Chicago Bears are the team to beat in the NFC North, and that will be the case until proven otherwise. Nevertheless, the parity in the division shows they can't rest on their laurels, as losing a single game can be the difference between winning the division and missing the playoffs.
Considering that, they must keep a close eye on everything that takes place around the division. Every move, whether it's minor or major, can trigger a domino effect in the Windy City, and they have to be prepared for everything.
That's why they won't like to hear Mike Tannembaum's latest prediction. In an ESPN article, Tannenbaum claimed that Kyler Murray would have a Comeback Player of the Year campaign with the Minnesota Vikings.
The Bears have to give Kyler Murray hell in every matchup
"Murray steps into an ideal system with coach Kevin O'Connell and receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. I think the Vikings can go 11-6, clinch the NFC North and win a playoff game with the former Cardinals QB at the helm," Tannenbaum wrote.
Even with terrible quarterback play, the Minnesota Vikings were still a tough rival last season. That's why having them add Kyler Murray to the mix could pose such a major threat not only to the Bears but to the entire NFC.
As they proved with Sam Darnold two years ago, the Vikings are built to compete for a Super Bowl right away; they're just a quarterback away. Murray might not be a superstar, but he's a former No. 1 pick who, like Darnold, might only need Kevin O'Connell's tutelage to be at his best.
The Bears' pass-rush has left plenty to be desired in recent years, but they should still have enough big bodies to throw at Murray on every true pass-rush set. They have to disrupt his rhythm and keep him in the pocket, as he's way more dangerous once he rolls out to extend plays with his legs.
The Vikings don't even need him to be a superstar to be a much-improved team in 2026, and Justin Jefferson has proven to be quarterback-proof, even with J.J. McCarthy. That's not what the doctor ordered for a Bears team that will have a huge target on its back after re-claiming the division in the first year of the Ben Johnson era.
It's been a long while since someone considered Kyler Murray a problem, but context is everything in this league. He'll have the best supporting cast and coaching situation of his career, and while the Bears should still love their chances against anyone, he can definitely be a major thorn in their side.
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