Monday Night Football is back with a bang as the Chicago Bears host the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field, setting the stage for a thrilling Week 1 opener in the 2025 NFL season. With both teams eager to make a statement, the energy in Chicago is unmistakable as fans pour into the iconic stadium under the bright lights. The matchup, scheduled for 8:15 p.m. Eastern (7:15 p.m. Central) on September 8, 2025, is being broadcast live on ABC and ESPN, with streaming options galore for cord-cutters and diehard fans alike—including NFL+, DIRECTV, FuboTV, Sling TV, and ESPN Streaming.
All eyes are on the debut of Ben Johnson as the Bears’ head coach. Johnson, who earned a reputation as an offensive mastermind during his stint with the Detroit Lions, now has the reins in Chicago. His arrival has sparked renewed optimism, especially with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams at the helm. Williams, the former USC and Oklahoma standout, is coming off a promising preseason and is expected to inject life into a Bears offense that struggled last year.
"The Ben Johnson era begins with a renewed fire under quarterback Caleb Williams and a chance for an early statement in the NFC North," one preview noted, highlighting the sense of urgency and anticipation around the Bears’ new leadership. Williams isn’t a stranger to big moments—he threw for 340 yards at home against the Vikings last season, a stat that has Chicago fans buzzing about his potential for a breakout year.
The Bears’ front office was busy in the offseason, revamping the offensive line with the additions of Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman, and Jonah Jackson. This beefed-up line is expected to provide Williams with the protection he needs to connect with his talented receiving corps. DJ Moore returns as the headline receiver, joined by first-round pick Colston Loveland and reliable tight end Cole Kmet. Loveland, in particular, is expected to be a top red-zone target for Williams, adding another dimension to Chicago’s aerial attack.
On the defensive side, Chicago made significant upgrades as well, bringing in veteran Grady Jarrett and second-round pick Shemar Turner to fortify the line. The Bears’ defense, already known for its grit, could be one of the toughest units in the league this season. However, they’ll have to overcome some adversity tonight, as key cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon are both listed as questionable. The Bears’ injury report also includes running back Roschon Johnson (foot) and linebacker T.J. Edwards (hamstring), who is doubtful, while several others remain on injured reserve.
For the Vikings, the spotlight shines on rookie first-round pick J.J. McCarthy, who is making his NFL debut after missing his rookie year with a torn meniscus. It’s a trial by fire for McCarthy, who steps into the starting role for a team that finished last season with a stellar 14-3 record. Minnesota’s offense is loaded with playmakers—star receiver Justin Jefferson, workhorse running back Aaron Jones, and tight end T.J. Hockenson form a formidable trio. The return of Adam Thielen, albeit for just a week, adds a veteran presence to the receiving corps. However, the Vikings will be without Jordan Addison, their No. 2 receiver, who is serving a three-game suspension for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell has established himself as a wizard when it comes to passing offense. In his first three years in Minnesota, O’Connell-led teams have consistently ranked in the top six for both passing yards and touchdowns. The Vikings scored 30 points in both meetings with the Bears last season, a testament to their firepower. Yet, with a rookie quarterback under center and key absences, tonight’s contest is anything but a foregone conclusion.
Defensively, Minnesota is anchored by linebacker Jonathan Greenard, the team’s sack leader, and a scheme designed by defensive coordinator Brian Flores that’s notorious for its disguises and unpredictability. The Vikings’ injury list is also considerable: safety Harrison Smith, defensive end Elijah Williams, running back Zavier Scott, and tight end Gavin Bartholomew are all out, while left tackle Christian Darrisaw is questionable. Several others, including Tyler Batty and C.J. Ham, are on injured reserve.
The Bears wrapped up their preseason on a high note, finishing with a 2-0-1 record after edging the Kansas City Chiefs 29-27 in their finale. The Vikings, meanwhile, ended their preseason 1-2, falling to the Tennessee Titans 23-13. Both teams enter the regular season with plenty to prove—Chicago looking to signal a new era under Johnson and Williams, and Minnesota aiming to build on last year’s success despite the uncertainty at quarterback.
The betting markets reflect just how close this matchup is expected to be. The spread is razor-thin, with Minnesota favored by 1.5 points (MIN -1.5) and Chicago at +1.5. The moneyline sits at CHI (+104) and MIN (-123), with a projected point total of 43.5. Clearly, oddsmakers are bracing for a tightly contested battle under the lights.
For fans eager to catch every snap, the options are plentiful. The game is available on ABC and ESPN, with Joe Buck providing play-by-play and Troy Aikman on analysis, while Lisa Salters and Laura Rutledge report from the sidelines. Streaming services such as NFL+, Sling TV, DIRECTV, FuboTV, and the ESPN app ensure that no one has to miss out, no matter their setup. Sling TV is offering a Day Pass for $4.99, while DIRECTV and FuboTV both have free trials and discounts for new users.
Looking back, the Bears finished the 2024 season with a disappointing 5-12 record, while the Vikings soared to 14-3. But as any football fan knows, a new season brings new hope—and plenty of surprises. The NFC North is wide open, and tonight’s game could set the tone for the weeks to come.
“Chicago made incredible strides in improving its personnel this offseason most notably in the trenches where games are won and lost,” noted Tom Viera of USA Today, capturing the optimism swirling around the Bears’ camp. He went on to predict, “Chicago shows us they are ready for prime time.”
As kickoff approaches, anticipation is reaching a fever pitch. Will Caleb Williams and the revamped Bears offense rise to the occasion under their new head coach? Can J.J. McCarthy handle the pressure in his NFL debut and keep Minnesota’s high-powered offense humming? The answers will begin to unfold as the teams take the field, with the eyes of the football world squarely on Soldier Field.
For now, the action is just getting underway in Chicago. With two teams hungry for victory, a host of new faces, and plenty of storylines to follow, Monday Night Football promises to deliver a memorable start to the 2025 NFL season.