Both the Minnesota Vikings and the Chicago Bears are set to face off on Monday Night Football, September 8, 2025, at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. The match kicks off at 8:20 PM Eastern Time, promising an intense showdown as both teams look to start the season strong
Game Details
| Game Info | Details |
| Date | September 8, 2025 |
| Time | 8:20 PM ET |
| Venue | Soldier Field |
| Location | Chicago, Illinois |
| Game Type | Monday Night Football |
Team Records Going Into Tonight
This is a clean sheet season between the two teams. Both the Vikings and the Bears are 0-0 as it is the first game of 2025.
| Team | Wins | Losses | Division |
| Minnesota Vikings | 0 | 0 | NFC North |
| Chicago Bears | 0 | 0 | NFC North |
What to Expect Tonight
Minnesota Vikings Strengths
The Vikings are very pass-oriented. Their quarterback can pass the ball very well. Wide receivers on the team are fast and can receive difficult passes.
The Vikings’ defense prefers to get on the back of the other team’s quarterback. They also possess good pass rushers who are capable of sacking the quarterback.
Chicago Bears Strengths
The Bears are a hard defense. They are very strong at deterring running plays. They have large and powerful linebackers.
The running game of Chicago is sound, too. Their runners can overcome the tackles and run an additional number of yards.
Key Players to Watch
Vikings Key Players
| Player | Position | Why He Matters |
| Quarterback | QB | Leads the offense and throws passes |
| Wide Receiver #1 | WR | Catches the most passes |
| Pass Rusher | DE | Gets to the other team’s quarterback |
Bears Key Players
| Player | Position | Why He Matters |
| Quarterback | QB | Runs Chicago’s offense |
| Running Back | RB | Carries the ball and scores touchdowns |
| Middle Linebacker | MLB | Stops running plays up the middle |
Recent History Between These Teams
Each year the Vikings and Bears have two games. They are both under the NFC North. Such games are competitive and tight.
| Last 5 Games | Winner | Score |
| 2024 Game 2 | Vikings | 28-21 |
| 2024 Game 1 | Bears | 24-17 |
| 2023 Game 2 | Vikings | 31-14 |
| 2023 Game 1 | Bears | 20-17 |
| 2022 Game 2 | Vikings | 29-22 |
Weather and Field Conditions
September weather in Chicago can vary fast. Soldier Field contains natural grass. Should it rain, the field may get slippery. This may influence playing and running plays become essential.
What Each Team Needs to Win
Vikings Need To:
- Protect their quarterback from Bears’ pass rushers
- Stop Chicago’s running game early
- Make big plays through the air
- Win the turnover battle
Bears Need To:
- Establish their running game early
- Pressure Minnesota’s quarterback
- Play strong defense in the red zone
- Control the clock with long drives
Predictions and Storylines
This game could go either way. Both teams are new with new players and new strategies in 2025. The Vikings might have the better passing attack. The Bears probably have the stronger defense.
Home-field advantage matters in Monday Night Football games. Chicago fans will be loud and energetic.
Key Stats to Track
| Important Numbers | Why They Matter | Time of Possession | Team that controls the ball longer usually wins | | Third Down Conversions | Shows which offense is more effective | | Turnovers | Team with fewer mistakes usually wins | | Red Zone Efficiency | Scoring touchdowns instead of field goals wins games |
Game Impact on Season
This is just the first game of 2025. But division games matter a lot. The winner gets early momentum in the NFC North race.
Both teams want to start 1-0. Losing the first game isn’t the end of the world. But winning feels much better.
Injury Reports
Both teams have some players dealing with small injuries. Most key players should be ready to play tonight.
Teams are not obligated to disclose all the information of the injuries until nearer to the time of the game. Closer to kickoff we shall be informed of who plays.
Bottom Line
Tonight’s Vikings-Bears game should be a battle. Both teams have guys who can make plays.
The team that doesn’t beat itself wins. Minnesota’s passing game against Chicago’s defense is the main event. The Vikings need to avoid sacks. The Bears need to create pressure.
Monday Night Football brings out the best in players. Expect guys to be flying around, making big hits.
Whoever wins tonight gets to talk trash until they play again. Division rivalries are the best part of football. Should be a hell of a way to start the season!
