Minnesota Vikings @ Chicago Bears
Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
September 9, 2025 – 1:15 a.m. BST
J. J. McCarthy will make his Vikings debut on Monday
The 2025 season could be one of the most anticipated in Vikings history – at least since the loss of rookie quarterback J. J. McCarthy just one game into last year’s preseason campaign. McCarthy is back from a torn meniscus and raring to go for his first season as the Vikings’ starter under center – and where better to start than on the road on Monday Night Football against the division rival Chicago Bears?
It’s something of a homecoming for McCarthy, who grew up about 15 miles outside of Chicago in La Grange Park, Illinois, and supported the Bears as a youngster. But instead of wearing the blue and orange, he’ll be wearing the purple and gold on his first outing under the lights at Soldier Field, ready to go up against one of the four quarterbacks who were drafted above him in 2024, first overall pick Caleb Williams.
In the distance, McCarthy will have one eye on the 14-3 record set by the man who filled in for him last season, Sam Darnold, but in the more immediate future, he’ll settle for going 1-0 one week at a time.
How to watch Vikings vs. Bears
- Vikings vs. Bears date: Tuesday, September 9th
- Vikings vs. Bears kickoff time: 1:15 a.m. BST
- Vikings vs. Bears channel: Sky Sports NFL (Sky 408, Virgin Media 507, Now TV) / DAZN (stream)
As the Monday Night Football selection for week 1, this game is available live and in full to stream via NFL Game Pass on DAZN. You can also catch the game live from 1 a.m. on Tuesday morning on Sky Sports NFL via Sky, Virgin Media and Now TV.
What uniforms are the Vikings wearing against the Bears?
As the home team, the Bears had first choice of uniforms and have elected to wear their home combination of navy blue jerseys and white pants. That means the Vikings will be wearing their road combination of white jerseys and purple pants.
Key to the game
Reunited and it Thiels so good!
For the Vikings, one of the keys to an opening-day win will be how J. J. McCarthy clicks with his receivers. Justin Jefferson missed the entire preseason campaign with a hamstring complaint, but is expected to play at Soldier Field on Monday night. Third-year WR Jordan Addison is suspended for the first three games of the season for violating the league’s substances of abuse policy following a DUI in July 2024, but a first game back for once-and-future-Viking Adam Thielen should provide some solidity among the receiving corps.
Meanwhile, the defense has improved since last season; the acquisitions of Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen in free agency, plus the addition of DT Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins in the draft, have allowed the Vikings to flip fan favourite Harrison Phillips to the New York Jets for a net positive in terms of both talent and cap space. The real issue, as was the case last season, is the secondary; the Vikings have arguably one of the weakest cornerback groups in the league. We’re looking forward to seeing how new signings Isaiah Rodgers and Jeff Okudah, as well as the returning Mekhi Blackmon, shape up in 2025.
Previous meetings
This is the sixth time the Vikings have opened their season against the Bears, most famously the first game in franchise history. On September 17, 1961, rookie quarterback Fran Tarkenton came off the bench to pass for four touchdowns and rush for another as the Vikings recorded a 37-13 win.
It’s also the fourth time they’ve opened the season on the road against the Bears, the last three all having finished in Chicago victories. Their last week 1 encounter at Soldier Field finished in a 27-23 win for the Bears; although the Vikings led 20-10 at halftime, the Bears sealed the victory with two touchdowns in the last seven minutes.
The two teams have met 127 times in total, with the Vikings leading the series 68-58-2, although the Bears have the edge at home, with 34 wins to the Vikings’ 28, as well as two ties coming in Chicago. However, recent form is with the Vikings, who have won the last five meetings between the two sides at Soldier Field and all but two of the last 10 meetings overall.
The Vikings did the double over the Bears last season, including an overtime victory in Chicago in week 12. There was plenty of excitement on the field, as the Bears came back from 14 points down with less than 8 minutes left in the fourth quarter to force the extra period. In the UK, though, attentions were divided as we were joined by former Vikings defensive back Robert Griffith for a watch party in Birmingham.
Vikings injury report
The Vikings ruled out RB Zavier Scott (ankle) and DL Elijah Williams (hamstring), who both suffered injuries in the preseason finale against the Titans. Veteran safety Harrison Smith was designated as doubtful for Monday as he continues his recovery from an offseason illness, having only been limited in practice on Friday and Saturday, while T Christian Darrisaw was listed as questionable ahead of his first game back from a torn ACL; he was a full participant for the last two practice sessions after sitting out Thursday. WR Jalen Nailor (hand) and OLB Andrew Van Ginkel (neck) are off the final injury report after taking full part in practice all week, while WR Justin Jefferson wasn’t listed despite missing the entire preseason with a hamstring injury, suggesting he’ll be good to go on Monday night.
UPDATE: S Harrison Smith was downgraded to OUT on Saturday and did not travel with the team to Chicago
Bears injury report
For the Bears, starting linebacker T. J. Edwards (hamstring) was listed as doubtful by head coach Ben Johnson after missing the entire week of practice. DBs Josh Blackwell (groin) and Jaylon Johnson (calf/groin) were designated questionable for Monday, along with RB Roschon Johnson (foot). WR/KR Devin Duvernay (hamstring) and DL Dominique Robinson (oblique) are expected to play after taking full part in practice all week, while RB Kyle Monangai was upgraded from limited to full participation on Saturday, giving him the green light.
Score predictions
- Big Deal Rich: Vikings 17, Bears 13
- Reece: Vikings 23, Bears 17
- John: Vikings 18, Bears 15
- Darren: Vikings 24, Bears 17
- TPJ: Vikings 27, Bears 17
Let us know your score predictions. Send us an email at UKVikingsFanClub@gmail.com or get in touch via any of our social media channels.