When the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings clash under the lights of Monday Night Football this evening, the game will have an immediate impact on the NFC North standings and expectations going forward.
All four divisional teams have legitimate playoff aspirations heading into the season, and the winner of this Week 1 MNF matchup will get the early leg up on the hunt for the postseason.
Betting lines for tonight’s contest generally feature an NFL point spread that favors the Vikings by a point and a half over the Bears.
Minnesota Vikings @ Chicago Bears
Spread: Vikings -1.5 (-110), Bears +1.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Vikings -125, Bears +105
Over: 43.5 (-105)
Under: 43.5 (-115)
A home loss for Chicago would be concerning for the franchise. It would be a sobering reminder of their place in the division, and potentially declare 2025-26 a rebuilding year.
The Viking will enter the year with J.J. McCarthy under center. Sam Darnold is now with the Seahawks, making way for the second-year QB to show fans and bettors what he can do.
Minnesota’s depth chart still features loads of talent, with the team’s largest question mark being their new quarterback. Are NFL sportsbooks suggesting that McCarthy is ahead of the Bears’ Caleb Matthews in his development?
Why The Bears Will Win
The Bears have significantly upgraded their offensive line, which should limit the pressure on quarterback Caleb Williams and improve both protection and the running game compared to last season.
Chicago also boasts a deep and talented group of skill players, including DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, Olamide Zaccheaus, Luther Burden III, Colston Loveland, and Cole Kmet, who are expected to challenge a Minnesota secondary that ranked 28th last year.
While the Bears’ defense isn’t elite, they’re considered steady and benefit from facing a rookie quarterback, JJ McCarthy, whose inexperience may lead to mistakes.
Limiting big plays from star Vikings receivers like Justin Jefferson will be crucial, and if Chicago’s defense can confuse McCarthy, they could keep the Vikings offense in check.
Why The Vikings Will Win
The Vikings have one of the NFL’s best run defenses, ranked 2nd last season, which will make it difficult for the Bears to establish the run game. Their defensive line was bolstered this offseason by the additions of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, further strengthening an already strong front that includes players like Jonathan Greenard and Dallas Turner.
The Vikings’ defense excels at pressuring quarterbacks and limiting big plays, which could disrupt the Bears’ second-year QB Caleb Williams in his first game under a new system.
The Vikings offense, although dealing with some injury issues at wide receiver, has weapons like tight end T.J. Hockenson and running backs Aaron Jones Sr. and Jordan Mason, who they’ll use to try to control the pace of the game.
The Vikings have won four of their last five games against the Bears and outscored them significantly in these matchups. Minnesota also finished last season strong and has a good history covering the point spread at 10-5-2 ATS.
Our Prediction: The Bears Cover
