2025 NFL Week 1 Monday Night Football: Bears vs Vikings predictions, top players, injury updates and more

The NFL’s opening week is serving up some prime-time drama, and it doesn’t get much bigger than this, the Chicago Bears hosting the Minnesota Vikings under the lights on Monday Night Football.

Soldier Field is buzzing, the NFC North rivalry is heating up, and all eyes are on two young quarterbacks who could define the future of their franchises. But with injuries already shaking up the lineups, who’s actually taking the field tonight? Let’s break it all down.

2025 NFL Week 1 Monday Night Football Injury reports: Show Bears battling questions while Vikings miss key veterans

The Bears head into Week 1 with a laundry list of players on the injury sheet. Linebacker T.J. Edwards is doubtful with a hamstring issue, while key secondary pieces Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, and Josh Blackwell are all questionable.

Running back Roschon Johnson is also nursing a foot problem, though D’Andre Swift is active and ready to be a central piece of the offense.

On the Vikings side, the biggest absence comes in the form of safety Harrison Smith, who is officially out due to illness. Running back Zavier Scott and defensive lineman Elijah Williams are also sidelined, while tackle Christian Darrisaw is questionable with a knee concern.Bottom line? Both teams are banged up, but Chicago’s secondary depth is a real concern going against Minnesota’s passing attack.

Key players who can make the difference in Bears vs Vikings

For the Vikings, it’s all about the debut of rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Fans are eager to see if the first-rounder can deliver in a hostile environment, and oddsmakers even like his rushing upside, setting his prop line at 15.5 yards. He’ll have plenty of help, including superstar Justin Jefferson and veteran Adam Thielen, who is back to play mentor and chain-mover with Jordan Addison unavailable.The Bears, meanwhile, are handing the keys to Caleb Williams, who enters his second year with sky-high expectations.

Surrounded by weapons like D’Andre Swift and D.J. Moore, Williams has a chance to start his season strong, especially if his improved offensive line holds up. Moore, in particular, is being highlighted by analysts as a strong anytime touchdown option in this matchup.

Predictions and betting insights ahead of kickoff

Oddsmakers have this one tight, with the Vikings slightly favored at -1.5 and the over/under hovering around 43.5 points. Projection models lean Minnesota’s way, calling it a narrow 24-20 type of game thanks to their offensive depth.

But don’t count out Chicago’s new-look offense at home. If Williams finds rhythm early and Moore or Swift breaks loose, the Bears could very well pull off the upset.

A primetime battle that could set the tone for both teams

Whether it’s McCarthy’s first big test or Williams’ second-year breakout, this game has all the ingredients for fireworks. The Vikings come in with proven playmakers and just enough edge on paper, but the Bears are desperate to prove Soldier Field is no easy place to steal a win.Either way, fans are in for a Monday night thriller that could have ripple effects across the entire NFC North race.Also read - Justin Herbert spotted on date with Madison Beer after beating Patrick Mahomes