Not sure if you know this, but the Bears are in the middle of a debilitating losing streak. Their season has fallen apart, to the point that Shane Waldron and Matt Eberflus have both been fired and even Ryan Poles’ status – he’s going to be the GM in 2025 – is being freaked out about.

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While the previous sentences were written with a certain amount of sarcasm, the real point remains true. The Bears are in big trouble leading into Monday’s NFC North clash with the Minnesota Vikings.

Can they figure enough things out to be competitive against the Vikings at US Bank Stadium?

That’s one of a few questions that need answers heading into this Week 15 matchup:

How will Bears rebound after 49ers defeat?

We’re probably at the point where it’s fair to wonder whether the Bears will win again. This season. That’s how tough the schedule is and how far the team has fallen. The stout defense that was their bedrock has fallen on hard times – we can’t tell you how bad they miss Andrew Billings and Jaquan Brisker – with needed improvements in the red zone and in preventing big plays.

There was a ton of positive energy after the Matt Eberflus firing and the Thomas Brown promotion, but the response to that was disappointing and fairly blamed on play er execution. That’s troubling, but this contest will be key for the rest of the season to see if the Bears can rebound and put some quality play together. The jury’s out on that.

Can Rome Odunze prove to be a true No. 1?

That job title will stick with DJ Moore for this season and probably a few after that, but the No. 9 overall draft pick probably deserves to be a heavily targeted option moving forward. He’s an elite talent, someone who coaches consider “quarterback friendly” and a player who can make big plays when called upon. That was clear last week, when he caught two touchdown passes in different ways. He brought down a tough one with a two-toe tap, and got wide open on the second with an excellent route that made catching the ball easy.

It seems like he’s just getting revved up at this point, and he could be a legit No. 1 if he continues his current path. Moore will be with him for a number of years, which will help Odunze be more productive over a long term.

How will Caleb Williams handle the Vikings blitz package?

The rookie quarterback did a solid job dealing with Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores the last time out, which was notable considering the exotic blitz packages that get thrown out to the opposition.

Dealing with it well with help with Williams’ confidence. He found answers within the scheme and the play calls provided by Thomas Brown, but there will be changes in looks and formations the second time around. Williams is a smart guy and can deal with pre-snap looks well, but it will be a challenge for him. This is also the first time he’ll play an opponent twice in a season, so responding well is going to be key to the overall outcome.

Will Thomas Brown make a case to be head coach?

The interim head coach didn’t show well in his first game captaining the ship. There were good vibes leading up to Thomas Brown’s debut, and practices were supposedly good as the players aimed to halt a prolonged losing streak. Then the 49ers game happened, and everything fell apart.

That’s not a good look for Brown or defensive coordinator Eric Washington, after both guys got outcoached. I think Brown is well liked within Halas Hall and that he’ll be a serious candidate for the full-time gig in 2025. While wins and losses won’t be the be-all-end-all factor in his candidacy, the Bears can’t tank down the stretch. They need to play better under their new head coach, and that hasn’t happened yet. Beating an elite opponent would go a long way in solidifying his candidacy moving forward.

Will Bears run game get right?

D’Andre Swift seemed confident that he would play on Monday night. That will help the Bears run game overall, even though he hasn’t been super effective of late. The ground attack definitely will miss Roschon Johnson in short yardage situations and near the goal line – he’ll be out again while in the concussion protocol – but Swift is capable of being an every-down back and a home run hitter.

He spoke to the media on Friday and was admittedly frustrated with his play and the team’s overall performance, stating that he needs to establish a good early-game rhythm to help the offense overall. If he can do that and hit a big play or two, this offense will look a lot better. Right now it’s stuck in a rut, and needs Swift to help get it out.