Injury Preview: Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears

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Game Info:

  • Matchup: Minnesota Vikings (0-0) at Chicago Bears (0-0)
  • Date: Monday, September 8, 2025
  • Time: 8:15 p.m. EST
  • Location: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
  • TV: ESPN/ABC, ESPN2 (ManningCast)

Betting Odds:

  • Point Spread: Vikings -1.5
  • Total: 43.5 (Under)

New Eras Clash on Monday Night as Vikings Visit Bears

The NFL’s opening week concludes with a classic NFC North rivalry under the lights at Soldier Field, but this edition features a fresh look for both sidelines. The Chicago Bears will usher in the era of new head coach Ben Johnson, while the Minnesota Vikings hand the keys to the offense to rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy for his highly anticipated NFL debut.

With a razor-thin point spread favoring the visiting Vikings, this Monday Night Football showdown is expected to be a hard-fought battle where injuries and new beginnings will be the central theme.

Storylines to Watch

Minnesota Vikings: All eyes will be on J.J. McCarthy. The rookie quarterback faces a tough first test: a road game against a divisional rival in primetime. His performance will be the single biggest factor for a Vikings team looking to establish its new offensive identity. However, the Vikings will be doing so without a key defensive leader. Veteran safety Harrison Smith has been downgraded to out for the contest, a significant blow to Minnesota’s secondary and on-field communication. The team will also be without running back Zavier Scott and defensive lineman Elijah Williams.

Chicago Bears: The Ben Johnson era begins in Chicago. After his departure from Detroit, the Lions’ offense struggled in its opener, and Bears fans are hopeful Johnson can bring that same offensive magic to their squad. However, his debut will be complicated by significant injuries on the defensive side of the ball. The Bears’ defense, crucial for supporting a new offensive install, is banged up. Star linebacker T.J. Edwards is listed as doubtful with a hamstring injury, while starting slot cornerback Kyler Gordon is questionable after also being added to the injury report with a hamstring issue. Their potential absence could create major holes in the middle of the field and in pass coverage.

Prediction

This game is a true toss-up, as reflected by the 1.5-point spread. Both teams enter Week 1 with significant questions. Can a rookie quarterback survive the hostile environment of Soldier Field? Can the Bears’ offense click immediately under a new head coach?

The deciding factor here will likely be injuries. While the loss of Harrison Smith for the Vikings is substantial, the potential absence of both T.J. Edwards and Kyler Gordon for the Bears is arguably more damaging for this specific matchup. A rookie quarterback’s best friends are quick, high-percentage throws over the middle of the field—exactly the area Edwards patrols. If Gordon is also out or limited, the Vikings’ receivers will have a distinct advantage.

Expect a somewhat sloppy, hard-hitting game typical of early-season divisional contests. McCarthy will likely have some "welcome to the NFL" moments, but the injuries to the heart of Chicago’s defense give him a crucial opening to find a rhythm. The Bears will bring energy for their new coach, but it won’t be enough to overcome their key defensive losses.

Final Score Prediction: Vikings 20, Bears 17

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