Bears vs. Vikings Prediction: Ben Johnson Makes Head Coaching Debut Against Division Rival

• The Vikings have won eight of their last 10 games against the Bears, including all five in Chicago during that stretch. 

• Minnesota brings back two pass-rushers who had over 10 sacks last season.

• Ben Johnson is making his debut as an NFL head coach, while J.J. McCarthy is making his NFL debut as Minnesota’s starting quarterback.

Week 1 of the NFL season concludes with an NFC North rivalry game between the Chicago Bears and the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings have owned this rivalry during the current decade, winning eight of the 10 head-to-head matchups, including all five games at Soldier Field, where Monday’s game will be played. Of course, the Bears are starting anew in 2025 with new head coach Ben Johnson, who takes over a team that’s had four straight losing seasons. The Vikings, on the other hand, have the pressure of following last year’s 14-3 campaign.

Heading into Week 1, both the Lions and Packers have shorter odds to win the NFC North than both the Vikings and Bears. That means the winner of Monday’s game will have an early leg up on usurping Detroit and Green Bay atop the division. Monday’s game is also fascinating from a coaching perspective, as Minnesota’s Kevin O’Connell is the reigning Coach of the Year winner, whereas Chicago’s Ben Johnson is the early favorite to win NFL Coach of the Year in 2025. 

Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears Odds

The odds for Monday’s game come from Caesars Sportsbook. New Caesars customers can make a $1 bet and then receive 20 100% profit boosts, essentially doubling the profit on any winning bet.

Vikings vs. Bears My Pick

• My Pick: Bears ML (+105) at Caesars Sportsbook

As mentioned, the Vikings have dominated the Bears in recent years, including five straight road wins in Chicago. But such a streak is bound to end sooner or later, and probably sooner rather than later. Considering the gap in the standings between these teams last season, the 1.5-point spread is a sign that the oddsmakers aren’t that confident in Minnesota, making Chicago’s moneyline the best option.

While not technically a rookie, J.J. McCarthy will be making his first career start on Monday. It’s a little unclear what to expect from him, especially making his first start on the road. The Vikings are also a little banged up and missing the suspended Jordan Addison, so they won’t be at full strength for their young quarterback.

On the other side, Caleb Williams has at least one year of experience under his belt. Obviously, there were ups and downs, but he should be ready for his second season. Plus, first-time Ben Johnson will have something up his sleeve to make sure the Bears win their season opener at home and get off to a fast start in 2025.

Use code WSN20X and Double Your Winnings at Caesars

Vikings vs. Bears Prediction

Minnesota Vikings Preview

It’s anybody’s guess what to expect from J.J. McCarthy and the Minnesota offense in Week 1. McCarthy only played in one preseason game, throwing just seven passes, which was surprising for a young quarterback who missed last season with an injury. While he was known for his accuracy and athleticism in college, it’s a big step up for McCarthy, even with Justin Jefferson and Aaron Jones to lean on.

Given the uncertainty with McCarthy, look for the Vikings to lean heavily on their running game and defense as much as possible. Minnesota had a top-5 defense in 2024, one that brings back the pass-rushing duo of Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel. Knowing that they are strong on that side of the ball, the Vikings should keep things conservative in Week 1, running the ball with Jones and not making McCarthy win the game for them. But whether that will be enough to secure a win on the road remains to be seen.

Bet $1 at Caesars and Get 20 100% Profit Boost Tokens

Chicago Bears Preview

Much has been made during the preseason about Williams adapting to Chicago’s new offense under a new head coach. However, Williams is a former top-overall pick, while Johnson was one of the NFL’s elite offensive coordinators before becoming a head coach. The tandem has plenty of upside, especially with a solid set of playmakers around him.

In fairness, there are some questions about the Chicago defense. But the Bears look solid along the defensive line and should hold their own in the trenches. New defensive coordinator Dennis Allen should come up with ways to confuse McCarthy in his NFL debut, which could allow the Chicago defense to have a good night, especially with the home crowd behind them.

Get 20 100% Profit Boost Tokens at Caesars With a $1 Bet

Vikings vs. Bears Injuries

Minnesota Vikings

• Justin Jefferson - Questionable

• Jordan Addison - Suspended

• Jalen Nailor - Questionable

• Tai Felton - Questionable

• Rondale Moore - IR

• C.J. Ham - IR

• Christian Darriaw - Questionable

• Andrew Van Ginkel - Questionable

• Harrison Smith - Questionable

Chicago Bears

• Roschon Johnson - Questionable

• Travis Homer - IR

• Case Keenum - Questionable

• Shemar Turner - Questionable

• Tremaine Edmunds - Questionable

• Jaylor Johnson - Questionable

• Kyler Gordon - Questionable

Vikings vs. Bears: Best Promos and Sportsbooks

The start of a new NFL season means that most online sportsbooks are offering promos and bonus opportunities for both new and existing customers. Check out the latest NFL betting promo codes to learn where to go for profit boosts and bonus bets.

*Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l terms.

How to Watch Vikings vs. Bears

• When: Monday, September 8, 8:15 PM

• Where: Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

• How to Watch: ABC/ESPN

More MNF Week 1 Stories

Vikings vs. Bears Prop Bets MNF Week 1

Vikings vs. Bears Same Game Parlay MNF Week 1