NFL: Chicago Bears v Minnesota Vikings – Preview, predictions and odds

Match Preview

The second game of the first Monday Night Football of the 2025 season sees Chicago Bears host the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field in a primetime NFC North showdown.

The division was the league’s strongest in 2024, with three teams reaching 11 or more wins, but both Chicago and Minnesota enter this year with new storylines and young quarterbacks at the forefront.

Minnesota is turning the page to the J.J. McCarthy era after parting ways with Sam Darnold.

The former Michigan star, fresh off leading the Wolverines to a national championship two years ago, inherits a roster that went 14-3 last season – the franchise’s best record since 1998.

Chicago, meanwhile, continues its rebuild around Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in 2024. The Bears stumbled to a 5-12 record during his rookie campaign, but the former Heisman winner now has another offseason of development and added support around him as he looks to establish himself in Year 2.

With two highly drafted quarterbacks leading bitter division rivals under the lights at Soldier Field, the matchup offers an early chance to measure how both franchises stack up in a competitive NFC North.

The Bears enter Week 1 with plenty of intrigue following the high-profile arrival of head coach Ben Johnson, who was hired to help accelerate Caleb Williams’ development after a bruising rookie season. Williams was sacked a league-high 68 times in 2024, and while some of that stemmed from inexperience, improving the offensive line’s consistency remains a major priority.

On defence, the focus is on the status of top cornerback Jaylon Johnson. The Pro Bowler missed all of training camp with a groin injury before returning to practice this week, leaving his availability in doubt.

Should he sit out, Kyler Gordon and Tyrique Stevenson will take on expanded roles, while former Vikings practice squad member Nahshon Wright could be pressed into action against Minnesota’s potent passing attack.

Injury concerns could shape the Vikings’ lineup. Star left tackle Christian Darrisaw is working back from the ACL tear that cut short his 2024 season and may be a game-time decision, with Justin Skule ready to deputise if needed.

On defence, the fitness of veteran safety Harrison Smith is also uncertain, potentially leaving Minnesota without two key starters in a divisional opener.

Prediction for Minnesota Vikings @ Chicago Bears

Caleb Williams should look sharper in Year 2 under Ben Johnson, but Chicago’s protection issues and defensive injuries remain a concern.

With J.J. McCarthy debuting behind a talented Vikings roster, Minnesota may have the balance to take this primetime clash.

Prediction: Vikings 27-23 Bears

How to watch Minnesota Vikings @ Chicago Bears: TV channel

ABC and ESPN will both air the game. Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. ET on Monday, September 8.

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