Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears Prediction and Picks - September 8, 2025
The Chicago Bears host the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night in the first primetime game of the new season. These NFC North rivals met twice last year, with the Vikings winning both games convincingly. Minnesota took a 30-27 overtime win in Chicago on Nov. 24, then cruised to a 30-12 victory at home on Dec. 16.
Check out David Delano's Vikings vs Bears prediction for Monday Night Football.
Both teams enter 2025 with new leadership on the field. The Vikings hand the keys to rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy, while the Bears bring in new head coach Ben Johnson, who earned a reputation as one of the league’s brightest offensive minds during his time with the Detroit Lions. That makes this opener a showcase of transition: the Vikings trying to prove they remain contenders, and the Bears attempting to reset after years of struggles.
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The McCarthy era begins
Minnesota is listed at 25-1 to win the Super Bowl on ESPN Bet, +375 to win the NFC North, and set at 8.5 wins with -150 juice to the over. After a 14-3 season in 2024, expectations remain high despite major roster changes.
The Vikings lost quarterback Sam Darnold to Seattle in free agency, but the offense now belongs to J.J. McCarthy. Drafted 10th overall in 2024, McCarthy missed his rookie season with a knee injury but now has the full support of head coach Kevin O’Connell. McCarthy thrived at Michigan, completing nearly 68 percent of his passes for more than 6,200 yards with 49 touchdowns and 11 interceptions across his college career.
To support him, Minnesota reinforced its offensive line by adding center Ryan Kelly, guard Will Fries, and first-round pick Donovan Jackson. They also signed defensive lineman Jonathan Allen to strengthen the front seven. With wideouts Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen, running back Aaron Jones, and tight end T.J. Hockenson, McCarthy steps into a situation few rookie starters enjoy.
The defense, which is already ranked among the top half of the league, should benefit from additions like Allen and corner Isaiah Rodgers. The Vikings’ depth and balance make them a legitimate threat in the NFC, though their hopes will hinge on how quickly McCarthy adjusts.
Can Ben Johnson save the Bears
The Bears come into 2025 sitting at 30-1 to win the Super Bowl, +475 to take the NFC North, and an over/under win total of 8.5 (with +140 on the over and -165 on the under). They went just 5-12 last season, and their offensive line was a major issue, giving up a league-high 68 sacks.
Chicago made it clear this offseason that things had to change. They hired Ben Johnson, the former Lions offensive coordinator, as their new head coach. Johnson helped turn Detroit into one of the NFC’s most dangerous offenses, and now he gets his first chance to run his own team. The front office also went after proven talent in the trenches, trading for guards Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney, and adding defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and center Drew Dalman. First-round pick Colston Loveland, a tight end from Michigan, could also step in right away as another weapon for the passing game.
The centerpiece of it all is Caleb Williams, but he’s got help. DJ Moore remains the go-to wideout after back-to-back strong seasons, while running back D’Andre Swift gives them explosiveness in the backfield even though his efficiency has dipped the last two seasons as his workload has increased.
Defensively, the roster went through plenty of changes, but there’s still a young core for Johnson and his staff to build around. For Chicago, the big question isn’t just about Williams, it’s whether the Bears finally built the kind of supporting cast that can turn potential into wins.
Vikings vs. Bears Pick
| # | Handicapper | Profit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Earle Sports Bets | +2,298.00 |
| 2 |  Ross Benjamin | +1,840.00 |
| 3 |  Rob Vincilleti | +1,757.00 |
| 4 |  David Hess | +1,745.00 |
| 5 |  Dan Kaiser | +987.00 |
Spread Pick for Vikings vs. Bears
- Minnesota Vikings -1 (5 units)
Minnesota has won seven of the last eight head-to-head meetings, and even with the Bears’ improvements, this is a difficult spot for a first-year head coach. The Vikings remain the more complete roster with elite weapons for J.J. McCarthy to lean on. Jefferson ranked second in the league with 1,533 receiving yards last year, Aaron Jones rushed for over 1,100 yards, and Thielen returns to add veteran depth.
The line is short due to uncertainty around McCarthy, but he does not need to be a star right away with this supporting cast. Minnesota’s defense is also better positioned to create problems for Chicago’s rebuilt offensive line.
At essentially a pick ’em price, the Vikings are the side to trust.
Over/Under Pick for Vikings vs. Bears
- Over 44 (5 units)
Week 1 can be unpredictable, but both teams feature enough talent to move the ball. The Vikings’ offense should remain explosive with Jefferson, Jones, and Hockenson, while McCarthy brings mobility and creativity to the quarterback spot. On the Chicago side, Ben Johnson’s offensive schemes are designed to create mismatches, and he will likely open up the playbook in his head coaching debut.
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