NFL Expert Picks, Week 6: Bears are still underdogs despite offensive turnaround

After beginning the 2023 season with four straight losses, the Chicago Bears need more than one win before gaining confidence from league experts.

Justin Fields and the Bears’ offense was impressive in Thursday night’s Week 5 victory over the Washington Commanders, one in which Fields tossed four touchdowns and played mistake-free football. The defense was sound, too, generating five sacks and forcing takeaways, but none of it moved the needle in Week 6’s expert picks, which still favor the 1-4 Minnesota Vikings.

According to NFL Pick Watch, 52% of experts polled think the Vikings will win the game.

Considering how bad Minnesota has played this year, it’s a bit of a surprise. They boast one of the NFL’s worst rushing offenses, and their pass defense is among the ten weakest in the league.

Add the fact that superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson won’t play Sunday, and the Chicago Bears seem like a good bet to get their first home victory of the season.

But, again, one good victory doesn’t define a team, and the Bears have to prove their win over the Commanders wasn’t an anomaly. If they come out firing against a weak Vikings secondary and rattle Kirk Cousins into errant turnover-worthy throws, the Bears could win over some experts by the time Week 7 rolls around.