Vikings at Bears Q&A: Ben Johnson vs Brian Flores

September 18, 2026

An early-season NFC North clash features the Chicago Bears hosting the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2, with both divisional opponents entering the contest at 1-0. Chicago began its campaign with a historic 59-37 triumph over the Carolina Panthers, marking the greatest offensive point total for an opening week in league history under Caleb Williams.

The franchise hopes to sustain momentum after snapping a four-year postseason drought the prior year, when all four clubs across the division concluded the schedule with winning marks.

The matchup spotlights a tactical duel between Chicago's Ben Johnson and Minnesota defensive coordinator Brian Flores. Johnson, who conceded to wrestling with overthinking Flores' aggressive pressure packages, carries a 5-1 head-to-head advantage against him spanning back to his tenure running Detroit's offense.

Now in his second divisional test of the young season, Flores seeks to halt Johnson's success and stall Chicago's dynamic attack.