NFL Week 1 Preview: Bears Ready to Roar Against Vikings in Monday Night Showdown

🏈 Bears vs Vikings
📍Solider Field
📅 Sept 8th 7:20
Line: Vikings -1.5 at Bears

The Chicago Bears kick off the 2025 NFL season under the Monday Night Football lights with a fresh identity — and perhaps, finally, real hope.

Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick from last year's draft, enters his second NFL season with a rebuilt offensive line, an arsenal of weapons, and a legitimate offensive architect in new head coach Ben Johnson. Expectations are high, and the Bears appear ready to deliver.

On the other side, the Minnesota Vikings will start rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy, making his first regular-season appearance after missing last year due to injury. It's a tough debut assignment — on the road, in a divisional matchup, under the national spotlight.

And if you're asking whether the lights will be too bright for McCarthy, the answer is: absolutely!

🏈 Caleb Williams: NFC North’s Emerging Nightmare

In six games last year against the NFC North, Caleb Williams posted video game numbers:

1,500 passing yards, 9 TDs, 0 INTs, 97.6 passer rating

He carved up the Vikings in Week 12, going 32-of-47 for 340 yards and 2 TDs, while adding 33 rushing yards. Despite early struggles in that game, including some misreads and off-target throws, Williams rallied late, connecting with Tarvarius Moore on a 27-yard strike that set up a game-tying field goal. It was a sign of the poise and playmaking ability Chicago fans had hoped for.

In overtime, while the Bears ultimately lost, Williams flashed promise. A 12-yard sack from Jonathan Greenard sealed the deal, but the bigger takeaway was Williams’ progression and resilience under pressure.

🔥New Era, New Edge in Chicago

The Bears went toe-to-toe with their division rivals last season, despite coaching chaos. Now with Ben Johnson at the helm — the former Lions OC who went 5-1 against Vikings DC Brian Flores while averaging 30 points per game — Chicago's offense is primed for a leap.

💪This unit isn’t short on talent!

DJ Moore, Odunze, Oz, Kmet, Loveland and Burden. That’s a potent mix of speed, size, and route-running precision. Add in a commitment to pounding the rock behind an improved offensive line, and Johnson’s play-action-heavy system is ready to go to work against a vulnerable Minnesota secondary.

❓️Can McCarthy Handle the Heat?

For Minnesota, all eyes are on J.J. McCarthy. The former Michigan star has the tools, strong arm, mobility, leadership,   but he’s still raw. And against a Bears defense now run by Dennis Allen, who thrives on mixing coverages and disguising pressure, McCarthy could be in for a long night.

Chicago’s front seven could feast on this young QB. While Minnesota’s defensive line remains physical, it will be the Bears’ ability to stop the run and apply pressure that may dictate the outcome.

🏈💪 Bottom Line: The North Has a Problem

This isn’t last year’s Bears team. It’s more balanced, better coached, and led by a quarterback with something to prove - and the weapons to make it happen. While Williams had his ups and downs as a rookie, he did show some growth as a passer, and with Ben Johnson’s familiarity with Minnesota D and Flores, this to me gives Chicago a clear edge.

Meanwhile, McCarthy making his first career start in primetime on the road? That’s a tough spot for any quarterback, let alone a rookie.

Final Score: Bears 24, Vikings 20

The Bears announce their arrival as NFC North contenders — and the rest of the division should take notice.
** I did change my score a bit due to Bears Defensive injuries..**