Rain, Wind Could Shape Vikings-Bears Matchup at Soldier Field

Rain and wind could be a factor when the Minnesota Vikings visit the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field this Sunday, according to PurplePTSD, which cited forecasts from the National Weather Service's Chicago office and Joe Nelson of Bring Me the Sports.

The NWS Chicago office indicated that a period of heavy rain is expected Saturday night into Sunday morning, though it cautioned that confidence in the exact track of the system is low. The office noted that a flood watch could potentially be needed in the area during that window. Nelson, writing separately for Bring Me the Sports and citing the National Blend of Models, reported that the Chicago area could see close to an inch of rain between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday, with as much as half an inch possible in the six hours surrounding a typical afternoon kickoff window. Nelson also noted that wind gusts up to 30 mph are expected regardless of whether the rain arrives before or during the game.

PurplePTSD described this as the Vikings' second consecutive NFC North game to open the season and characterized the division as shaping up to be among the most competitive in the league in 2026. The outlet reported that the Vikings enter the game with quarterback Carson Wentz as the starter, and without running back Jordan Mason and wide receiver Jauan Jennings.

With Mason on short-term injured reserve, PurplePTSD reported that the Vikings signed running back Jerome Ford earlier in the week and could also turn to Demond Claiborne or Deejay Dallas for reps, alongside a heavier workload for Aaron Jones. PurplePTSD also noted that head coach Kevin O'Connell stuck with the run game in the previous week's contest even while trailing, and suggested that approach could carry over to Sunday given the forecast.

The weather outlook remains uncertain, and it is not yet clear whether the heaviest rain will fall before or during the game. Wind appears to be the more consistent factor across the forecasts cited, which could influence both teams' passing approach at Soldier Field.

Source: PurplePTSD