- The Minnesota Vikings are set to kick off their 2025 season against NFC North rivals, the Chicago Bears, at Soldier Field. With clear skies and a mild evening forecasted, fans can expect a pleasant night game experience. The game will be broadcast live on ABC, starting at 8:15 PM.
- Heading into Week 1, the Vikings are led by Head Coach Kevin O’Connell, with Wes Phillips and Brian Flores coordinating the offense and defense, respectively. Despite some challenges in the preseason, including losses to the Titans and Patriots, the Vikings demonstrated potential with a preseason win over the Texans. Their key players, such as Max Brosmer and Sam Howell, will be crucial in this opening encounter.
- For the Chicago Bears, Ben Johnson takes the helm as Head Coach, supported by Offensive Coordinator Declan Doyle and Defensive Coordinator Eric Washington. The Bears come into the game with a strong preseason showing, notably dominating the Bills 38-0 and securing a close victory over the Chiefs. With Tyson Bagent and Ian Wheeler making significant impacts, the Bears will look to leverage their momentum against their divisional foes.
Bears vs Vikings At a Glance
- Game Date and Time: Monday, September 8, 2025 at 8:15 PM (Night Game)
- Location: Soldier Field in Chicago, IL USA — Outdoor Field
- Weather Forecast: Mild day with calm, and conditions described as ‘Clear Sky’
- TV Channel: ABC
- Vikings Moneyline Odds: -120
- Bears Moneyline Odds: +101
Chicago Bears: A Glimpse into the Upcoming Game
Offensive Struggles
The Chicago Bears’ offense struggled in the 2024 season, scoring only 310 points, ranking them 26th in the league. Their passing game was notably weak, amassing just 3,086 yards and ranking 31st. The rushing attack wasn’t much better, finishing 24th with 1,734 yards.
Despite these challenges, the Bears managed to secure 296 first downs, placing them at 28th. Their third down conversion rate was at 32.9%, ranking 27th in the league. These stats highlight the areas the Bears need to improve upon for a successful upcoming season.
Defensive Highlights
Defensively, the Bears showed some strengths, ranking 12th in opponent scoring with 370 points allowed. The team recorded 40 sacks, which ranked them 9th in the league. In terms of turnovers, the Bears were effective with 11 interceptions and 13 fumbles recovered, ranking them 9th and 3rd respectively.
However, their defense allowed 6,022 opponent offensive yards, ranking 27th, indicating room for improvement. Overall, the Bears’ defense demonstrated the ability to create turnovers and pressure quarterbacks, which will be crucial in their upcoming games.
Preseason Performance
The Bears have shown mixed results in their recent preseason games. They managed a win against the Kansas City Chiefs with a score of 29-27, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure. The victory against the Buffalo Bills, with a dominant 38-0 scoreline, highlighted their defensive prowess.
However, they ended with a draw against the Miami Dolphins at 24-24, showing inconsistency. The preseason performances indicate potential but also highlight areas needing improvement before the regular season kicks off.
Injury Concerns
The Bears face several injury concerns as the new season approaches. Key players like Case Keenum, Travis Homer, and Jaylon Johnson are dealing with injuries that could impact their availability. The team will need to manage these injuries carefully to avoid further setbacks.
Travis Homer and Austin Booker are notably on the injured reserve list, expected to miss significant time. The depth of the roster will be tested as they navigate these challenges in the upcoming games.
Betting Trends
- The Bears ranked 26th in total points scored in 2024.
- Their defense ranked 12th in points allowed last season.
- In recent preseason, the Bears showed a balanced performance with two wins and one draw.
- Key injuries could impact their early season performance.
The Vikings’ Voyage: Minnesota Vikings Set for 2025 Season Opener
Offensive Insights
The Minnesota Vikings ended the 2024 regular season with a total score of 432 points, ranking 9th in the league. Their passing attack was especially potent, racking up 4,043 yards, which placed them 6th. However, their ground game lagged behind, accumulating 1,855 rushing yards for a 19th place rank.
Key contributors on offense include wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who caught 103 passes for 1,533 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. Additionally, quarterback Sam Darnold led the charge with 4,319 passing yards and 35 touchdowns. The Vikings’ ability to maintain a strong aerial attack will be critical in their upcoming games.
Defensive Performance
Defensively, the Vikings ranked 5th in opponent scoring, allowing just 332 points throughout the season. Their pass rush was formidable, recording 49 sacks, which was 4th best in the league. Moreover, they led the league in opponent passing interceptions with 24.
The defense will be crucial in upcoming games, and players like safety Harrison Smith and linebacker Blake Cashman will need to step up. The Vikings will be counting on their defense to set the tone early against opponents.
Recent Preseason Recap
In their most recent preseason game, the Vikings fell to the Tennessee Titans 23-13. Quarterback Max Brosmer threw for 161 yards and a touchdown, while tight end Bryson Nesbit caught two passes for 45 yards and a score. Despite the loss, there were promising individual performances.
Earlier preseason games included a 20-12 loss to the New England Patriots and a 20-10 victory over the Houston Texans. The Vikings will aim to iron out any wrinkles before the regular season opener against the Chicago Bears.
Betting Trends
- The Vikings ranked 9th in overall scoring during the 2024 season.
- Minnesota’s passing game was 6th in the league, making them a strong team for passing yards bets.
- The Vikings’ defense allowed the 5th fewest points in the league.
- Minnesota recorded the most opponent interceptions in the league with 24.
Bears vs Vikings Prediction: Over 44.0
The opening week of the 2025 NFL season pits the Chicago Bears against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field. Given the Vikings’ strong offensive performance last year, ranked 9th in scoring, they are likely to continue this trend. Despite the Bears’ lower offensive ranking, playing at home with new strategies under head coach Ben Johnson could spark improvements.
Historically, games between these two teams at Soldier Field have witnessed varied outcomes, with several games surpassing the total points line. The Bears’ defense, which ranked 12th in opponent scoring last year, might struggle to contain the Vikings’ potent offense. Moreover, the clear sky conditions forecast for game day should favor both teams’ passing games, potentially leading to a high-scoring affair.
Both teams have undergone changes in coaching and roster adjustments that might contribute to an unexpected scoring burst. The Bears will likely aim to capitalize on the Viking’s 16th-ranked defense in opponent offensive yards, which provides them with opportunities to score. This combination of factors suggests a higher-scoring game than what the line suggests.
Given these considerations, predicting the game to go over the 44-point total appears to be a prudent choice. The Vikings’ efficient offense and the Bears’ potential to step up their scoring game could lead to a shootout at Soldier Field.
- Bears vs Vikings Prediction: Over 44.0
- Bears vs Vikings Score: Bears 28 – Vikings 24
