How to watch Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings Week 1: Ben Johnson era finally gets started as Caleb Williams looks to overcome Brian Flores’ defense
Kicking the season off with a primetime divisional matchup.
Week 1 of the NFL season is officially here. Well, for every team except for the Chicago Bears and the Minnesota Vikings, since their NFC North matchup will technically take place next week on Monday Night Football to close out the opening slate of the regular season.
It’s the ideal opening matchup for a primetime slot. Bears head coach Ben Johnson will be making his official debut in Chicago, while Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy will make his official debut as Minnesota’s starting quarterback.
This game will have a lot to like, but the biggest storyline will be whether or not quarterback Caleb Williams can finally overcome Brian Flores’ defense under a new offensive scheme tailored to his strengths. One way or another, it will be an exciting way to kick off the 2025 season.
Here’s how you can watch the action unfold:
How to Watch: Bears vs. Vikings Week 1
- When: Monday, September 8th at 8:15 p.m. ET
- Where: Soldier Field
- TV Live: ESPN and ABC
- Stream: Hulu + Live TV, NFL+, and YouTube TV
- Listen: ESPN 1000
3 Bears Players To Watch
QB Caleb Williams: As I mentioned above, Williams failed to overcome Flores’ defense in the two matchups last season. The second meeting was close with the two sides squaring off in overtime, but Flores put a swift end to Williams’ comeback attempt on the first drive of OT, leaving a sour taste in the mouth of the young quarterback.
WR DJ Moore: The team’s top playmaker will certainly be someone to watch in more ways than one. Chicago will be getting creative with D.J. Moore early in the season, so expect to see him out wide, in the slot, and even getting carries in the backfield. Moore will be a busy weapon for this offense.
Whoever’s at LT: This will be the most critical position in this entire matchup. Chicago has yet to name a starter at left tackle with the worst possible opponent coming to town. In two matchups against the Vikings in 2024, the Bears’ left tackle allowed a combined two sacks and six pressures.
Chicago Bears 2025 Schedule
- Week 1 (Sept. 8th): vs. Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football
- Week 2 (Sept. 14th): at Detroit Lions
- Week 3 (Sept. 21st): vs Dallas Cowboys
- Week 4 (Sept. 28th): at Las Vegas Raiders
- Week 5: BYE
- Week 6 (Oct. 13th): at Washington Commanders on Monday Night Football
- Week 7 (Oct. 19th): vs New Orleans Saints
- Week 8 (Oct. 26th): at Baltimore Ravens
- Week 9 (Nov. 2nd): at Cincinnati Bengals
- Week 10 (Nov. 9th): vs. New York Giants
- Week 11 (Nov. 16th): at Minnesota Vikings
- Week 12 (Nov. 23rd): vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
- Week 13 (Nov. 28th): at Philadelphia Eagles on Black Friday
- Week 14 (Dec. 7th): at Green Bay Packers
- Week 15 (Dec. 14th): vs. Cleveland Browns
- Week 16 (Dec. 20th): vs. Green Bay Packers on Saturday FOX Doubleheader
- Week 17 (Dec. 28th): at San Francisco 49ers on Sunday Night Football
- Week 18 (Jan. 3rd/4th): vs. Detroit Lions
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