Matchup at a Glance

Week 1 of the 2025 NFL regular season closes under the lights as the Minnesota Vikings visit the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. This is more than just a rivalry clash—it’s a critical NFC North litmus test for two teams launching new eras behind second-year quarterbacks. The Bears, led by Caleb Williams, look to prove they belong in the playoff conversation under first-year head coach Ben Johnson. Across the field, the Vikings hand the keys to J.J. McCarthy, the former Michigan standout making his long-awaited debut after missing his rookie year. You can explore the full breakdown in the Game Advisers preview.

Odds and Trends

The Vikings opened as 1.5-point road favorites, holding a slight edge with sportsbooks such as DraftKings and BetRivers. Public money leaned heavily on Chicago, with 56 percent of bets and 76 percent of spread-line cash coming in on the Bears at even odds. Minnesota’s moneyline carried a less appealing payout at -121, but one bettor still dropped $16,350 at -127. Recent history leans against the Vikings, who have lost five of their past six road openers, while the home team has covered in five of the last six meetings. Meanwhile, seven of Chicago’s past eight home openers have finished under the posted total of 43.5, another angle dissected in the Game Advisers analysis.

Prop Picks and Market Angles

Despite the under-heavy historical trend, sharp bettors are eyeing the over on 43.5 points. The Bears’ banged-up secondary, combined with McCarthy’s debut in a Kevin O’Connell system designed to pass early, sets the stage for more scoring than expected. Another popular wager is Justin Jefferson to top 70 receiving yards. He cleared that mark in nearly every contest last season despite rotating quarterbacks, and with Jordan Addison suspended, Jefferson is positioned for a heavier workload. Both props have been spotlighted in the Game Advisers betting preview.

Inside Edge

The Inside Edge metrics reveal why Minnesota’s passing attack is so efficient. The Vikings averaged a league-best 10.4 yards per attempt on passes up the middle, compared to the NFL average of 8.1. Their running backs were also league leaders in red-zone targets, an often-overlooked stat that explains their versatility. On the other side, Chicago allowed just one passing touchdown per game in 2024 and committed only 27 penalties all season, tying for the fewest in the league. Those trends set up a strength-on-strength battle featured in the Game Advisers scouting report.

Coaching Chess Match

Few sideline matchups in Week 1 are more intriguing. Minnesota’s defensive coordinator Brian Flores brings his trademark blitz-heavy playbook, while Chicago’s new defensive leader Dennis Allen thrives on similar aggression. The real spotlight, however, falls on Ben Johnson. The former Lions offensive coordinator makes his head coaching debut against an old nemesis in Flores. Johnson’s Detroit offenses hung 30 or more points on Flores in four straight matchups, a testament to his play-calling creativity. As Johnson explained, Flores is notorious for shifting looks mid-game, forcing opponents to constantly adapt. It’s a duel of chess masters described in the Game Advisers breakdown.

Team Outlooks

The Vikings enter with one of the NFL’s most opportunistic defenses, tying for the league lead with 33 takeaways last season and ranking fifth in points allowed. The offseason additions of Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen give them a stronger interior presence to complement Flores’ pressure schemes. For Chicago, the front office fortified the offensive line with Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson, and center Drew Dalman, while continuing to stockpile weapons around Williams. Draft picks like tight end Colston Loveland and wide receiver Luther Burden III add depth to a core that already includes Odunze and DJ Moore. A full roster rundown is available in the Game Advisers preview.

Injury Watch

Injuries cloud both sidelines. The Bears hope star cornerback Jaylon Johnson can return from a groin issue, while Kyler Gordon and Roschon Johnson are also listed as questionable. Linebacker T.J. Edwards, a steadying force for Chicago, is doubtful with a hamstring. For Minnesota, running back Zavier Scott and defensive end Elijah Williams have already been ruled out, while veteran safety Harrison Smith is doubtful due to illness. Left tackle Christian Darrisaw’s status looms large as he battles a knee issue. Injury updates continue in the Game Advisers report.

Final Word

McCarthy, a Chicago native making his first NFL start at Soldier Field, brings composure and confidence even in hostile environments. Williams, meanwhile, showed poise against Flores’ defense last season, throwing three touchdowns without an interception. But under the bright lights of primetime, this feels like a coming-of-age night for the Bears. Expect fireworks, plenty of defensive disguises, and a tight finish.

The official call from Game Advisers is Bears 27, Vikings 23.