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CHICAGO (Ticker) -- Trying to avoid their first 0-2 start in 17 years, the Minnesota Vikings must be salivating at the chance of facing the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on Sunday. A model of consistency since Dennis Green became coach in 1992, the Vikings have not lost their first two games in a season since Les Steckel was coach in 1984. The Vikings could not have asked for a better opponent to break into the win column than Chicago. Minnesota has won seven of the last eight meetings between the teams, including the last five here since a 31-14 loss in 1995. Daunte Culpepper also should be happy to see the Bears after a pair of big games against them last season -- his first full year as a starter. On Opening Day last season, Culpepper came up big in his first career game, running for three second-half touchdowns in a 30-27 victory. In October, Culpepper threw for three scores in a 28-16 victory. Two weeks ago, Culpepper and the explosive Vikings were held in check in a stunning 24-13 season-opening loss to Carolina. Culpepper passed for 236 yards and one touchdown and also ran for a score but was intercepted three times. Culpepper was unable to find star receiver Randy Moss, who had just one catch for 28 yards against Carolina. Moss had eight catches for 118 yards and one touchdown in two games against Chicago last season. Vikings first-round pick running back Michael Bennett was ineffective in his pro debut, gaining 37 yards on 11 carries. Having to deal with the high-powered offense of the Vikings is a big change for Chicago, which faced the NFL's best defensive team -- the Baltimore Ravens -- in its opener. As expected, the Bears struggled offensively against the Ravens and managed just a pair of field goals from rookie Paul Edinger in a 17-6 loss. Shane Matthews completed 24-of-39 passes for 138 yards, but just 22 of those yards and two interceptions came in the second half. In Chicago's final five possessions, the Bears managed just 30 yards on 19 plays with three three-and-outs and two turnovers. The Bears will be looking to get running back James Allen in gear after he was held to 43 yards on 21 attempts against Baltimore. Allen rushed for 131 yards and a touchdown in two games against the Vikings last season. Chicago wide receiver Marcus Robinson is expected to return from July back surgery. Marty Booker stepped up in his absence, catching nine passes for 49 yards in the opener. Minnesota leads the all-time series, 44-34-2.
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