The Minnesota Vikings visit the Chicago Bears for a Monday Night Football matchup tonight at Soldier Field.
J.J. McCarthy makes his Week 1 debut for the Vikings — deferred by a year. Fully healthy and in command of the Minnesota offense, he’ll be tested to see whether he can pull off a repeat of their 14–3 run in 2024 under head coach Kevin O’Connell.
McCarthy will be protected by an upgraded offensive line, and he brings a dual-threat skill set that adds another wrinkle to O’Connell’s playbook. His mobility — he averaged nearly 30 rushing yards per game in college — makes him a danger outside the pocket and in red-zone situations. He’ll also have two proven targets in Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen, who makes his return to the Vikings.
On the other side, Chicago begins a new chapter under head coach Ben Johnson, with second-year quarterback Caleb Williams leading the Bears’ offense. Williams’ development and Johnson’s system will be under the spotlight from the opening snap. For Chicago, the key is whether Williams, now with a year of NFL experience, can outduel McCarthy and spark an offense still finding its identity.
Predictions
The Vikings enter this game with greater roster cohesion and upside, while Chicago’s changes bring uncertainty. The difference may come down to McCarthy’s composure against rookie nerves. Expect Minnesota to control tempo but there’s opportunity for Chicago to keep this tight.
Projected Final Score: Vikings 24, Bears 20
Injury Report
Minnesota Vikings
Zavier Scott — Out (ankle)
Elijah Williams — Out (hamstring)
Harrison Smith — Out (illness)
Christian Darrisaw — Questionable (knee)
Chicago Bears
T.J. Edwards — Doubtful (hamstring)
Jaylon Johnson — Questionable (calf/groin)
Josh Blackwell — Questionable (groin)
Roschon Johnson — Questionable (foot)
Kyler Gordon — Questionable (hamstring)
How to Watch Vikings vs. Bears
Kickoff for tonight’s game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Chicago Bears is set for 8:15 PM Eastern / 7:15 PM Central at Soldier Field in Chicago.
The game airs live nationally on ABC. So you can tune in for free on your local ABC affiliate via antenna. ABC is also available at no additional cost through most cable, satellite, and live streaming packages.
It also streams live on the ABC and ESPN apps and websites.
For the cord-cutters out there without an active livestreaming plan, you can watch the game for free by taking advantage of free trials from DIRECTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo TV, or YouTube TV.
YouTube TV even offers a 20-minute free preview, without having to register for a trial — if you just want to catch part of the game.
Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears
Date: Monday, September 8, 2025
Time: 8:15 PM Eastern / 7:15 PM Central
Venue: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
TV: ESPN / ABC (with ManningCast on ESPN2)
Streaming: ABC and ESPN apps and websites, ESPN2 ManningCast
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