Game Details:
Matchup: Bears vs Vikings
Date & Time: Monday, September 8, 2025 | 8:15 PM ET
Venue: U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN
Betting Line: Vikings -4.5 | Over/Under: 43.5
Key Storylines
Primetime NFC North Battle
The 2025 NFL regular season kicks off with an NFC North showdown as the Bears travel to face the Vikings on Monday Night Football. Both teams are looking to begin the season with a bang and set the tone within a competitive division. The Vikings have dominated recent matchups, winning six of their last seven against the Bears.
New Faces Under Center
Both teams could be trotting out new starting quarterbacks. The Bears used a high draft pick on a rookie signal-caller expected to replace the struggling veteran play of recent years, while the Vikings are moving on from Kirk Cousins and ushering in a new era with their rookie quarterback, expected to start Week 1.
Chicago’s Defensive Revamp
After ranking among the bottom five in most defensive categories last season, the Bears overhauled their defense in the offseason. A revamped defensive line and secondary will be tested right away against Minnesota’s high-powered passing attack led by Justin Jefferson and emerging star Jordan Addison.
Home Field Advantage
The Vikings return to U.S. Bank Stadium, where they’ve won 12 of their last 15 home games. With a crowd that creates one of the loudest environments in football, first-time starting quarterbacks can struggle here — something bettors should strongly consider.
Injury Report
Bears:
Questionable: WR Darnell Mooney (ankle), CB Jaylon Johnson (hamstring)
Out: G Nate Davis (concussion protocol)
Vikings:
Questionable: LB Brian Asamoah II (shoulder), RB Ty Chandler (ankle)
Out: TE T.J. Hockenson (knee)
Betting Trends
- Bears are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 road games
- Vikings are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 home games
- The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the last 6 head-to-head matchups
- Vikings are 7-1 in their last 8 games as favorites
Player Prop to Watch
Justin Jefferson (Vikings) – Receiving Yards Total: 92.5
Jefferson has averaged 108.7 yards per game against the Bears in his career. With a rookie quarterback likely leaning on his top weapon, the over is a tempting play here.
Prediction & Best Bets
Spread: Vikings -4.5 → The Vikings’ experience and home-field advantage give them the edge against a Bears team still finding its identity.
Total: Under 43.5 → Week 1 games with two young quarterbacks tend to start slow, and both defenses could outperform expectations early in the season.
Player Prop: Justin Jefferson Over 92.5 receiving yards → Reliable production and a favorable matchup.
The Vikings should control the tempo and exploit Chicago’s young secondary, especially in front of a raucous home crowd. Expect a competitive first half before Minnesota pulls away late.
Final Score Prediction: Vikings 24, Bears 17