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Chicago Bears: 5 Must-Win Games of 2016 Season

By Erik Lambert

Aug 18, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) warms up before the start of the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 18, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) warms up before the start of the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 1, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) carries the ball against the Chicago Bears during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) carries the ball against the Chicago Bears during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

Week 8 vs. Minnesota Vikings

One of the most critical goals head coach John Fox laid out for his team going into 2016 was quite simple. Win more games at home. The Bears were 1-5 last year at Soldier Field. That is not the kind of record playoff teams have in their own buildings. Perhaps their most frustrating defeat in 2015 at home was against the Vikings. Chicago held the lead late in the 4th quarter but Minnesota managed to score 10 unanswered points in the final two minutes to steal the game.

Protecting home field used to be a big thing for the Bears but it seems to have dissipated of late. There is no doubt a major key to postseason success is being able to beat good teams when the crowd noise and field conditions are on your side. The Vikings are one of the best in the NFC now and defensive division champions. They have no fear at the prospect of visiting Soldier Field. Such fear will have to be induced, and this is the game to do it.

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