The Chicago Bears will play their first game at Soldier Field against the Minnesota Vikings.
Both teams won their respective Week 1 matchups. Bears head coach Ben Johnson’s team defeated the Carolina Panthers, 59-37, at Bank of America Stadium. The Vikings scored 22 points in the fourth quarter to defeat the Green Bay Packers, 39-22.
The Week 2 game will let each team remain undefeated and take an early lead in the NFC North title race. The Bears split the two matchups with the Vikings last season, losing in Week 1 at home and winning in Week 11 on the road.
The Bears only lost twice at Soldier Field last season– Minnesota (Week 1) and Detroit (Week 18). For the Bears to replicate that type of success or possibly improve, the fans will play a part in their home game.
Bears fans will have a critical role in Week 2 matchup against the Vikings
Fans last watched their team at Soldier Field in the Divisional Round against the Los Angeles Rams. Quarterback Caleb Williams told reporters that he can’t wait “to feel and see the energy” that the fanbase brings on Sunday.
There should be extra excitement since Charles “Peanut” Tillman will be the Bears’ honorary captain, and Jim Cornelison will perform the national anthem. Cornelison performed the national anthem in the matchup against the Rams, and Bears players still talk about the electricity in the atmosphere after his performance.
At this point, it's still unclear who will play quarterback for the Vikings. Starter Kyler Murray left last week's game early because of a concussion, and backup Carson Wentz helped lead Minnesota to a victory.
Regardless of who is under center for the Vikings, the Bears' home crowd will have a chance to distract Minnesota's offense. That's what Williams is counting on from the fans who attend the home opener.
Johnson told reporters that his team will "need" the fans to make a difference and that the Bears are "counting on that" to happen. With the NFC North expected to be tight this season, the Bears can't afford to lose divisional games, especially at home.
The Bears were able to dig themselves out of a 0-2 record after back-to-back divisional losses last year, but Chicago has a target on its head as the reigning NFC North champs. The Bears understand that, and so does the rest of the league.
Read more: Bears have 0 excuses to lose to Vikings after Jordan Mason being put on IR
As always for home games, Bears fans must bring the energy to give their team an edge against their NFC North rival.
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