Game: Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears
Date: Monday, September 8
Time: 8:15 PM ET
Location: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
Spread: Vikings -1.5
Total: 43.5
An old NFC North rivalry gets the primetime treatment to cap off the NFL’s opening week as the Minnesota Vikings travel to Soldier Field to take on the Chicago Bears. This Monday Night Football clash, kicking off at 8:15 p.m. ET, features two teams entering new eras, making for a fascinating and unpredictable showdown.
Vikings: The J.J. McCarthy Era Begins
All eyes in Minnesota will be on rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy as he makes his highly anticipated NFL debut. The Vikings are throwing their first-round pick into the fire in a challenging environment: a road game, under the lights, against a fierce divisional opponent. While the Vikings enter as slight 1.5-point favorites, the success of their offense will hinge entirely on how McCarthy handles the pressure. He will need to lean on a talented offensive roster to navigate what is sure to be a hostile Chicago defense aiming to give the rookie a rude welcome to the league.
Bears: A New Offensive Identity Under Ben Johnson
The “Ben Johnson era” officially begins in Chicago. After Johnson orchestrated one of the league’s top offenses with the Detroit Lions, the Bears are banking on him to revitalize their own attack. This Week 1 home opener is the perfect stage to unveil their new system. Playing at Soldier Field, the Bears’ defense will look to create chaos and short fields, taking pressure off their own offense as it works to find its rhythm. Expect a game plan designed to rattle McCarthy and capitalize on any rookie mistakes.
Prediction
This game screams “defensive battle.” Rookie quarterbacks making their first career start on the road in a primetime divisional game have historically struggled. While the Vikings are the favorites on paper, the situation heavily favors the home team. The Bears’ defense, energized by the home crowd, will likely be the deciding factor.
Meanwhile, the Bears’ offense under a new coordinator may take a few series to get going, and the Vikings’ defense will be looking to make a statement of its own. With both offenses facing significant questions, points could be at a premium. The under 43.5 feels like a strong play, as defenses are often ahead of offenses in Week 1.
Give me the home underdog to not only cover the spread but to win outright in a classic, low-scoring NFC North slugfest.
Prediction: Bears 20, Vikings 17
The Pick: Bears +1.5
Total: Under 43.5
Sources:
NFL.com | Official Site of the National Football League
NFL (@NFL) / X
NFL (@nfl) • Instagram photos and videos
NFL 2025 – WEEK 1 Schedule | NFL.com
National Football League – Wikipedia
NFL Shop – The Official Online Shop of the NFL | 2025 NFL Nike …
NFL Schedule – 2025 Season – ESPN
NFL – YouTube
NFL FLAG Football | Youth Flag Football Around the World
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