A classic NFC North face-off wraps up the initial week of the season on Monday Night Football as the Minnesota Vikings journey to face the Chicago Bears. Fresh Bears head coach Ben Johnson’s inaugural regular-season appearance will be in the spotlight at their home field as he starts what Chicago supporters are hoping will be a revival of this team. The Vikings have been strong in this competition lately, securing victories in seven of the previous eight encounters.
Minnesota begins the 2025 season after a 14-3 year and a wild-card round defeat with quarterback Sam Darnold leading the way. The Vikings feature a different quarterback calling the plays, with J.J. McCarthy scheduled to finally appear in a regular-season game following his absence in his first year due to a knee problem. Vikings followers are anxious to witness the partnership of McCarthy and Justin Jefferson. Incorporate T.J. Hockenson, the returning Adam Thielen and Jordan Addison (after fulfilling a three-game suspension) into the combination, and this could be one of the most potent passing offenses in the NFL.
Johnson’s arrival as coach of the Bears is a source of hope for Chicago, and the expectation will ultimately come to a head as the world will get to see how Caleb Williams looks in year two with the new coach’s leadership. Also during the offseason, Chicago signed former Indianapolis Colts edge rusher Dayo Odeyingbo to team up with Montez Sweat on the defensive line, and strengthened the O-line by obtaining former Chiefs All-Pro guard Joe Thuney via trade.
How to watch Vikings vs. Bears
Date: Monday, September 8
Start time: 8:15 p.m. ET
Location: Soldier Field | Chicago, Illinois
TV channel: ESPN
Follow along with Yahoo Sports for live updates, highlights and more from the Bears and Vikings’ Week 1 Monday Night Football matchup:
