Rivalry Returns Under the Lights in Chicago
Monday night football tonight closes out Week 1 with an NFC North rivalry as the Minnesota Vikings head to Soldier Field to face the Chicago Bears. New Bears head coach Ben Johnson gets his first regular-season test under bright lights at home, while Minnesota — winners of seven of the last eight meetings — looks to keep that dominance going.
The Vikings arrive off a 14-3 campaign and a wild-card exit with Sam Darnold under center last season. This year, J.J. McCarthy will make his regular-season debut after missing his rookie year with a knee injury. Vikings fans will watch closely to see how McCarthy pairs with Justin Jefferson, plus weapons like T.J. Hockenson, Adam Thielen and Jordan Addison — the latter returning after a three-game suspension — to form a potentially explosive passing attack.
Bears Game Storylines: New Coach, New Look
Chicago’s season-opening Bears game carries big expectations. Ben Johnson’s debut brings fresh optimism in a city hoping for a franchise reset. Year two for quarterback Caleb Williams will be measured closely, and the Bears bolstered their roster by adding edge rusher Dayo Odeyingbo to play opposite Montez Sweat and upgrading the offensive line with former Chiefs guard Joe Thuney.
What to Watch: Matchups and Key Notes
- Quarterbacks: J.J. McCarthy makes his regular-season debut for Minnesota; Caleb Williams leads Chicago in his second year.
- Vikings weapons: Justin Jefferson, T.J. Hockenson, Adam Thielen and Jordan Addison (after suspension) could create one of the league’s most dangerous passing games.
- Chicago defense: Dayo Odeyingbo joins Montez Sweat on the edge, while Joe Thuney helps a beefed-up O-line protect Williams.
- Recent history: Minnesota has won seven of the last eight Vikings–Bears matchups, a trend Chicago aims to reverse.
How and When to Watch Vikings vs. Bears
- Date: Monday, September 8
- Kickoff: 8:15 p.m. ET
- Location: Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois
- TV channel: ESPN
If you’re wondering where to watch Monday Night Football or how to watch Monday night football, tune into ESPN for full live coverage of Minnesota Vikings vs Chicago Bears. Fans can expect a primetime atmosphere as both teams begin their seasons.
Final Notes Ahead of Kickoff
This MNF tilt is a defining opener: the Vikings look to build on last season’s success with a new quarterback at the helm, while the Bears hope Ben Johnson’s arrival sparks a turnaround. Expect an electric crowd at Soldier Field and a night of close attention on matchups across both lines of scrimmage.
Stay locked in for Monday night football tonight — Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears kicks off at 8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN.
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