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J.J. McCarthy set for Vikings debut in titanic MNF clash with Caleb Williams’ Bears
Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season wraps up under the lights at Soldier Field as the Chicago Bears host the Minnesota Vikings in a Monday Night Football clash with plenty on the line.
This game features a pair of former first-round quarterbacks seeking to elevate their game to the next level, a new head coach, and two teams with playoff aspirations.
I run through what makes this MNF showdown unmissable, the key names to watch, and how I see it ending.
What's at stake
This game is the Bears' opportunity to turn the page on their rebuilding project and prove they can stand toe-to-toe with the rest of the NFC North.
New head coach Ben Johnson, a proven offensive mastermind, is tasked with helping quarterback Caleb Williams, the top pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, reach his full potential.
Minnesota’s Week 1 story is all about J.J. McCarthy, who finally makes his NFL debut after missing his rookie year with a knee injury.
The Vikings made him earn the right to lead the offense, but now firmly believe that he’s ready to carry the franchise forward. McCarthy must begin repaying that faith by proving them right, starting with this game.
Players to watch
For Caleb Williams, this is the stage he’s been waiting for. After a rookie year spent dodging pressure behind a shaky line, the Bears’ quarterback finally has the support he needs. A rebuilt offensive front should give him more time, and with new head coach Ben Johnson calling plays, expect a more balanced, efficient Chicago offense.
The weapons at his disposal are outstanding. Target-hot D.J. Moore and second-year wide receiver Rome Odunze will feature heavily in the passing game, while rookies Luther Burden and tight end Colston Loveland bring fresh energy and upside.
Whether that group can produce the goods against a Vikings secondary anchored by Pro Bowl corner Byron Murphy and veteran safety Harrison Smith could dictate the flow of the night.
Up front, the challenge for Chicago’s new-look offensive line will be to slow down Minnesota’s edge rushers Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel, both capable of wrecking a drive with a single play.
For the Vikings offensively, J.J. McCarthy makes his long-awaited Vikings debut. He inherits an offense stacked with talent and led by Justin Jefferson, the four-time Pro Bowler and 2022 Offensive Player of the Year.
Minnesota will be without Jordan Addison due to suspension, but the presence of tight end T.J. Hockenson and the return of Adam Thielen should help them weather the storm.
In the Vikings' backfield, Aaron Jones teams up with Jordan Mason to form a potentially dangerous tandem. Chicago knows slowing that duo is key to success, and much of the responsibility will fall on newcomers Grady Jarrett and Dayo Odeyingbo, who bolster a defensive front that struggled to stop the run last season.
Kick-off date, time, and game location
The game will be played at Soldier Field, Chicago (IL), the Bears' home stadium.
- Date: Tuesday, September 9 (BST) Monday, September 8 (ET and PT)
- Kick-off: 1:15am BST / 8:15pm ET / 5:15pm PT
Prediction
The Vikings lead the all-time series 68-58-2 but Chicago enters the game as the slight favourites.
Predicting the outcome is tricky. Williams may be the better of the two quarterbacks, but the Vikings' superior pass-rushing group will create problems for the Bears' aerial attack.
Ultimately, I'm siding with the home team and backing Chicago to spoil McCarthy's debut in a low-scoring affair.
Vikings 17 - 21 Bears
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