Chicago Prepares for Season Opener Against Minnesota
Chicago, IL – As the Chicago Bears gear up to face the Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football, both teams carry a mix of familiarity and uncertainty into the 2025 season opener. The spotlight will undoubtedly shine on the quarterbacks: Minnesota’s J.J. McCarthy and Chicago’s Caleb Williams. These two players, drafted in the same year, have certainly taken different paths so far. Williams was picked first overall by the Bears, with McCarthy following just nine picks later.
Williams initially provided hope, guiding the Bears to a strong 4-2 start last season, highlighted by a three-game winning streak. He impressed fans with 20 passing touchdowns and a solid 3,541 passing yards before the team’s fortunes plummeted, resulting in a disheartening 5-12 record. He proved capable, throwing seven touchdowns against just one interception during his early games.
On the flip side, J.J. McCarthy brought immediate excitement to the Vikings, tossing two touchdowns and completing 11 out of 17 attempts for 188 yards in a preseason game against the Raiders. However, a knee injury, requiring surgery for a torn meniscus, sidelined him for the entire 2024 season. As he prepares to take the field for the first time since his injury, McCarthy also returns to familiar territory. Growing up just 15 miles from Soldier Field, the Bears will always have a special place in his heart.
This matchup also marks Ben Johnson’s head coaching debut for the Bears after his successful run as the offensive coordinator for the Lions. Johnson has a solid track record against the Vikings, leading his previous teams to an impressive 5-1 record against Minnesota. Meanwhile, Vikings Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores will aim to capitalize on his team’s defensive strengths to contain Williams and Johnson’s new strategies.
In the trenches, both teams will field new faces on the offensive line. Chicago will have Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman, and Jonah Jackson, while the Vikings will feature Will Fries, Ryan Kelly, and 2025 first-round pick Donovan Jackson.
This matchup marks the 19th meeting between the two teams on Monday Night Football, with Minnesota holding a narrow 10-8 edge. It also represents the Vikings’ first season opener on MNF since 2017 and only their sixth meeting with Chicago in a season starter.
The Vikings have been dominant recently, winning seven of their last eight contests against Chicago, including a pair of victories last season. As the game approaches, experts have varied predictions. Some lean toward the Bears and their revamped offense, while others favor McCarthy’s potential to lead the Vikings. Regardless of the outcome, one thing is clear: the matchup promises to be as heated as ever.
