Chicago Bears: What to Watch for vs. Minnesota Vikings Week 4

CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 18: Khalil Mack #52 of the Chicago Bears rushes against Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field on November 18, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Vikings 25-20. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 18: Khalil Mack #52 of the Chicago Bears rushes against Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field on November 18, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Vikings 25-20. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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Bears’ Run Defense vs. Dalvin Cook

CHICAGO, IL – NOVEMBER 18: Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings is hit by Kyle Fuller #23 of the Chicago Bears in the first quarter at Soldier Field on November 18, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – NOVEMBER 18: Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings is hit by Kyle Fuller #23 of the Chicago Bears in the first quarter at Soldier Field on November 18, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

If Hicks is healthy enough to contribute to the defense for the entire game, it would greatly benefit the Bears—especially since they will be up against the league’s leading rusher. Vikings running back Dalvin Cook has hit the century mark in Minnesota’s first three games of the season, and has a total of 375 rushing yards. Cook is also averaging 6.6 yards per carry and 125.0 yards per game.

As much of a challenge Cook will be for the Bears, Chicago’s run defense will be just as much of a challenge for Cook and the Vikings’ offensive front. The Bears currently have the fifth-ranked run defense (68.7 yards per game), and they are surrendering an average of 3.1 yards per carry. Chicago’s defense hasn’t allowed a rushing touchdown thus far this season. In 2018, the Bears surrendered a league-low five rushing touchdowns, and were No. 1 against the run.

The battle between Cook and Chicago’s run defense just might dictate who wins this NFC North battle.