Expectations for Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears are sky high in 2025. Look no further than their top-billing on ‘Monday Night Football’ vs. the Minnesota Vikings.
An NFC North matchup on Monday night featuring a team that went just 5-12 is pretty indicative of that, but there are some good reasons for it. First is the hiring of new head coach Ben Johnson, the former offensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions.
Under Johnson, the Lions boasted one of the most fun, effective and innovative offenses in football. That could bode well for Williams, the 2024 No. 1 overall pick, who had a rookie season to forget.
But they face a tough task against the visiting Vikings. Minnesota is coming off a stellar 2024 season, one in which they finished 14-3 and second in the NFC North. However, there’s a big change under center: 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy returns after missing the entirety of the season with a knee injury.
How McCarthy will perform in his first season as Vikings QB1 is anyone’s guess – but that’s what makes the first showdown of the 2025 ‘MNF’ all the more intriguing.
Don’t miss a snap of the action. USA TODAY Sports will provide live updates, highlights and more from the game below. All times are Eastern.
What time is the Bears vs. Vikings game tonight?
Start time: 8:15 p.m. ET (7:15 p.m. CT)
The Bears vs. Vikings matchup is scheduled to kick off at 8:15 p.m. ET. The Vikings travel to Soldier Field in Chicago to face off against their divisional foe.
What TV channel is the Bears vs. Vikings game?
TV channel: ESPN
ESPN is the broadcast home of ‘Monday Night Football.’ Joe Buck and Troy Aikman have the call, with Lisa Salters patrolling the sidelines.
Bears vs. Vikings odds, moneyline, O/U
Bears vs. Vikings prediction
Week 1 has delivered an abundance of entertainment and the show could be starting in Chicago with Ben Johnson in town. The Bears have the prized head coach now to pair with their prized No. 1 overall pick, Caleb Williams. Meanwhile, the Vikings are coming off a 14-3 season but J.J. McCarthy is making his NFL debut.
Chicago made incredible strides in improving its personnel this offseason most notably in the trenches where games are won and lost. It’s time to believe in the product. Minnesota will be without No. 2 wide receiver Jordan Addison tonight because of a suspension, and his absence will be notable because Chicago’s defense will key in on Justin Jefferson. Chicago shows us they are ready for prime time. – Tom Viera
Prediction: Bears 24, Vikings 20
Bears vs. Vikings live stream
Live stream: Fubo | ESPN+
Cord-cutters looking for a live stream for the matchup can turn to Fubo. Fubo carries NBC, as well as CBS, FOX, NFL Network and the ESPN family of networks, meaning you can catch NFL action through the remainder of the season.
ESPN+, the proprietary streaming service of ESPN, will also carry the game.
Watch ‘Monday Night Football’ with a Fubo subscription
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Which NFL team has the most Super Bowl wins?
The Steelers are tied with the New England Patriots for the most Super Bowl wins with six.
Pittsburgh and Dallas have the unique distinction of playing each other more than any other team combination in Super Bowl history with three matchups.
NFC North standings
Green Bay Packers (1-0)
Minnesota Vikings (0-0)
Chicago Bears (0-0)
Detroit Lions (0-1)
NFL Week 1 final scores
Thursday, Sept. 4
Philadelphia Eagles 24, Dallas Cowboys 20
Friday, Sept. 5
Los Angeles Chargers 27, Kansas City Chiefs 21
Sunday, Sept. 7
Las Vegas Raiders 20, New England Patriots 13
Pittsburgh Steelers 34, New York Jets 32
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23, Atlanta Falcons 20
Indianapolis Colts 33, Miami Dolphins 8
Arizona Cardinals 20, New Orleans Saints 13
Washington Commanders 21, New York Giants 6
Cincinnati Bengals 17, Cleveland Browns 16
Jacksonville Jaguars 26, Carolina Panthers 10
San Francisco 49ers 17, Seattle Seahawks 13
Green Bay Packers 27, Detroit Lions 13
Los Angeles Rams 14, Houston Texans 9
Denver Broncos 20, Tennessee Titans 12
Buffalo Bills 41, Baltimore Ravens 40