- This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Minnesota (0-0-0) at Chicago (0-0-0)
- When: Sep 8 2025, 8:15 PM
- Where: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
- Where to watch: ABC/ESPN
- Last Meeting: MIN 30-12, December 16th, 2024
Minnesota vs Chicago Preview & Prediction
Spread: Minnesota -1.5
Moneyline: Minnesota -125
Total: 43.5
Minnesota Vikings: A New Era Begins
The Vikings enter Soldier Field with a mix of optimism and nerves, as rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy makes his first NFL start. Minnesota’s defense, led by Brian Flores, was one of the most opportunistic units last year, tying for the league lead in takeaways. Expect Flores to throw his full bag of exotic blitzes at Caleb Williams, hoping to force game-changing turnovers.
Minnesota’s offense will lean heavily on Justin Jefferson, especially with Jordan Addison suspended. Jefferson was quiet in his last Chicago visit, but McCarthy is expected to funnel him targets early and often.
Prediction: Minnesota’s defense should create enough short fields to tilt this one.
Player Prop Pick (Vikings): Justin Jefferson Over 6.5 Receptions
Chicago Bears: A New Regime, Big Expectations
Chicago hands the reins fully to Caleb Williams, last year’s No. 1 overall pick. With new head coach Ben Johnson, the Bears’ offense is retooled and loaded with young weapons, Rome Odunze, Colston Loveland, and Luther Burden all figure to make an impact. The offensive line has been upgraded as well, but three new starters means chemistry is still developing.
Defensively, Dennis Allen brings an aggressive mindset of his own, which should make this matchup with Flores’ attack a chess match. The Bears have lost three straight at Soldier Field to Minnesota but see this as a measuring stick game to open the season.
Prediction: Chicago keeps it close, but rookie mistakes could be costly.
Player Prop Pick (Bears): Caleb Williams Over 1.5 Passing Touchdowns
Expert Take & Score Prediction
This game has all the makings of a Week 1 grinder with fireworks late. McCarthy will be tested, but Minnesota’s defense should deliver enough pressure to give the Vikings a slim edge.
Final Score: Vikings 23, Bears 20
Lean: Minnesota -1.5
Total: Under 43.5
- NFL Football Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
