Bears-Vikings Preview
Football is back! As a Bears fan, I’m looking forward to the new season under former Lions OC Ben Johnson, 2nd year with Caleb Williams under center, a revamped offensive line, and a top 10 takeaway defense. The Bears look to improve off an abysmal 5-12 record in 2024.
Bears season opener will take place on Monday, September 8, 2025, at Soldier Field (7:15 p.m. CT on ESPN/ABC) .
The new look Bears, under rookie head coach Ben Johnson, hope to find their identity with QB Caleb Williams in his 2nd year and beefed-up offensive line.
The Vikings bring a polished unit led by second-year QB J.J. McCarthy, entering his first NFL start after being out his entire rookie season due a torn meniscus. The NCAA National Champ from Michigan looks to top last year’s breakout season from QB Sam Darnold (Who is now under center for Seattle).
Let’s take a look at the line & Betting Trends:
The Vikings are a slim 1.5-point favorite with the over/under set around 43.5. They aim to extend their winning streak in Chicago to six games; they currently lead seven of the last eight matchups, including a dramatic 30–27 OT win in 2024 .
There are a few key matchups to watch:
Pass Rush vs. Protection: The Bears’ revamped offensive line will face a punishing Vikings front seven led by Brian Flores' aggressive defensive scheme.
Guarding and containing Justin Jefferson: Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson is expected to play despite nagging groin/calf issues. He gets the tough task of guarding Justin Jefferson, who is very close to becoming the youngest player ever to reach 500 career receptions and already holds the most receiving yards against the Bears of any player.
Caleb Williams vs. Brian Flores Defense: Williams faces one of the most aggressive blitzing coordinators in Brian Flores. Flores sent pressure on over 40% of defensive snaps last year, which is one of the highest in the NFL. Caleb Williams was the most sacked QB last year as he was taken down 68 times. The Bears revamped their offensive line with Pro-Bowler and Superbowl champion, Joe Thuney (Left Guard), Pro-Bowler Jonah Jackson (Right Guard), and Drew Dalman (Center). The new guards and center, along with returning tackles Braxton Jones and Darnell Wright hope to provide solid protection up front for Caleb this year.
JJ McCarthy: A fellow Illinoisian raised in La Grange Park (Just outside of Chicago) grew up a Bears fan, now facing the team he used to root for in his 1st career NFL game. He had an impressive college resume. 27-1 record as Michigan’s starting QB, 3x Big Ten Champ, and 2024 College Football Champ. He was drafted 10th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. Last year, he was named the backup to Sam Darnold in training camp. In his preseason debut, he suffered a torn meniscus and ended his rookie season. With Sam Darnold departing to Seattle, McCarthy takes the reins as the Minnesota Vikings quarterback for the 2025 season. Personally, I think he’ll be solid in Kevin O’Connell’s system. He’s a leader, has a high competitive drive, and a disciplined player.
Rivalry & Historical Context:
Bears-Vikings Rivalry: The Bears–Vikings rivalry began in 1961. Through their 127 meetings, the Vikings hold a 68–58–2 edge overall. The Bears lone postseason win came in the 1994 Wild Card game (35–18).
Recent Trends of the matchup: Minnesota has won seven of the last eight matchups, only dropping a close 12–10 decision in 2023.
Stat / Storyline Details:
Vikings have won 5 straight road games vs. Bears—and 7 of the last 8 overall.
Jefferson’s Production Already leads all Bears opponents in receiving yards; just 5 receptions shy of 500 career catches
1st year head coach, Ben Johnson, looks for a win on debut. In team history, five coaches have won on debut in Bears history; George Halas, Neill Armstrong (Not the astronaut), Dick Jauron, Marc Trestman, and Matt Eberflus.
Series All-Time Vikings lead 68–58–2 overall, including 68–57–2 in regular season
Most Recent Meeting December 16, 2024: Vikings beat Bears 30–12
Betting Line Vikings are 1.5-point favorites; over/under ~43.5
Overall, this game is a toss up. If the Bears could get a solid pass rush, force JJ McCarthy to make mistakes in his first career game, and limit explosive plays by Justin Jefferson, they have the edge! Also, if the new offensive line can protect Williams from the Vikings aggressive defense and create explosive plays as Ben Johnson is known for from his days as offensive coordinator for the Lions, the Bears could take down the Vikings and have a solid season overall. One game at a time, Bears fans! This is going to be a tough task to start the year, but it will be a close game in my opinion.
24-20 Bears! (totally unbiased)
-Chris