NFL Week 1 ends with a NFC North clash in Chicago. The Vikings will be taking on the Bears on Monday Night Football. Below, we look at the Vikings-Bears odds and our favorite props.
- A new era begins for the Bears with Ben Johnson taking over as head coach.
- The Vikings counter with a veteran defense that ranked among the league's elite against the run last season.
- Strong betting trends and a matchup of young starting quarterbacks against aggressive defensive coordinators point heavily towards the Under.
This isn't just a rivalry game; it's the dawn of a new chapter for both franchises. J.J. McCarthy makes his first start for the Minnesota Vikings, while Caleb Williams hopes Johnson can put him in a better position to succeed with the Chicago Bears. Williams had issues last season, being sacked more than any other quarterback in the NFL.
The Vikings are coming off an impressive 14-3 campaign with Sam Darnold, but they are turning to McCarthy to maintain their status as a conference contender. He inherits an offense loaded with talent, headlined by superstar wideout Justin Jefferson, and will be protected by a defense that allowed a stingy 19.5 points per game in 2024.
This Vikings-Bears betting preview will break down the NFL odds, dive into the critical matchups, and provide our top player prop picks and predictions for this marquee season opener.
Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears Betting Odds
| Bet Type | Minnesota Vikings | Chicago Bears |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | -1.5 (-110) | +1.5 (-110) |
| Moneyline | -122 | +104 |
| Total Points | Over 43.5 (-108) | Under 43.5 (-112) |
Odds from FanDuel Sportsbook
The odds position the Vikings as slight road favorites, a line that respects their roster continuity. The total of points is on the lower end, signaling that oddsmakers anticipate a defensive battle rather than an offensive shootout. Use the current FanDuel promo code offer to win a $300 bonus for bets on the spread, total and moneyline.
Vikings vs. Bears – Key Matchups to Watch
Keep these matchups in mind when making your player props. Use a $150 bonus or $1,500 first bet with the BetMGM bonus code TSN150.
Quarterback vs. Pass Defense
The Vikings defense generated 49 sacks last season and thrives on creating pressure and confusion. This will be an early test for Willians and a new head coach.
McCarthy will contend with a Bears defense that added talent and is expected to be more aggressive under Dennis Allen's guidance. Last season, the Vikings' pass defense allowed 242 yards per game, while the Bears surrendered 217.9. The quarterback who can better manage pressure and avoid critical mistakes will give his team a massive edge.
Running Game vs. Run Defense
The battle in the trenches will be pivotal. The Bears plan to establish a strong ground game to support Williams, but they face one of the NFL's premier run-stopping units. The Vikings allowed a mere 93.4 rushing yards per game in 2024, the best mark in the league.
Conversely, the Vikings' rushing attack, which averaged 109.1 yards per game, will test a Bears defense that was vulnerable on the ground last year, giving up 136.3 yards per contest. If Chicago cannot run the ball, their offense becomes one-dimensional and predictable.
Pass Catchers vs. Secondary
Both teams boast elite talent on the outside. All eyes will be on the matchup between Vikings superstar Jefferson and the Bears' secondary. He is a constant threat to break a game open.
For the Bears, the duo of DJ Moore and Rome Odunze presents a significant challenge for the Minnesota defensive backs. This matchup will likely determine which offense can generate explosive plays and control the field position battle.
Offensive Line vs. Pass Rush
Protecting the quarterbacks is paramount. The Bears invested heavily in their offensive line this offseason, but they will be tested immediately by a Vikings pass rush that recorded 49 sacks in 2024.
The Vikings' offensive line will face a Bears front that is looking to improve on its 40-sack total from last season. The unit that wins this battle will likely dictate the flow of the game, as consistent pressure is the surest way to rattle a young quarterback.
Vikings-Bears Player Props: Passing
| Player | Passing Yards | Passing TDs | Completions | INTs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caleb Williams (CHI) | 220.5 (O -118 | U -115) | 1.5 (O +130 | U -167) | 20.5 (O -110 | U -120) | 0.5 (O -133 | U +100) |
| J.J. McCarthy (MIN) | 224.5 (O -115 | U -115) | 1.5 (O +100 | U -133) | 20.5 (O +100 | U -128) | 0.5 (O -133 | U +100) |
Both passing yardage props are set conservatively, reflecting the tough defensive matchups and the quarterbacks' inexperience. The most intriguing line is Williams' interception prop. At -133 to throw at least one pick, oddsmakers are banking on Flores's complex defensive schemes to cause a mistake.
Rushing & Receiving Props
| Player | Rushing Yards | Receiving Yards | Receptions | Anytime TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D'Andre Swift (CHI) | 52.5 (O -128 | U +100) | 16.5 (O -120 | U -106) | 2.5 (O -105 | U -125) | Yes +152 | No -184 |
| DJ Moore (CHI) | N/A | 57.5 (O -111 | U -118) | 5.5 (O +115 | U -149) | Yes +182 | No -225 |
| Rome Odunze (CHI) | N/A | 47.5 (O -139 | U +105) | 3.5 (O -161 | U +120) | Yes +212 | No -265 |
| Aaron Jones (MIN) | 48.5 (O -118 | U -115) | 16.5 (O -118 | U -111) | 2.5 (O -139 | U +105) | Yes +169 | No -205 |
| Justin Jefferson (MIN) | N/A | 79.5 (O -115 | U -115) | 6.5 (O +120 | U -154) | Yes +132 | No -160 |
| T.J. Hockenson (MIN) | N/A | 42.5 (O -128 | U +100) | 4.5 (O +105 | U -133) | Yes +245 | No -310 |
Jefferson's receiving line is set at 79.5 yards, a number he has historically eclipsed with ease, but he'll face a motivated Bears secondary. D'Andre Swift's rushing prop of 52.5 yards seems ambitious against a Vikings defense that was suffocating against the run last year. For Chicago, Moore's receiving yards at 57.5 could offer value, as he will likely serve as Williams' primary target and safety valve early on.
Vikings vs. Bears Picks - Final Prediction
This Monday night showdown hinges on which quarterback can adapt faster. While the Bears have generated immense offseason hype with a new head coach, they face a brutal Week 1 test. The Vikings not only boast continuity from a 14-win season but possess a distinct schematic advantage with their elite run defense.
The Bears' offense is expected to lean on the run to protect Williams, but that plays directly into the strength of a Vikings unit. If Chicago's ground game is neutralized, Williams will be forced into high-pressure passing situations against a defense notorious for confusing young quarterbacks.
The NFL betting trends strongly favor the visitors and a low-scoring game. The Vikings are an astounding 14-2 straight up in their last 16 games as a road favorite and have dominated this rivalry, winning seven of the last eight meetings. Furthermore, the Under has been a recurring theme for both teams in primetime; it has cashed in the last six Bears primetime games and the last eight Vikings Monday night contests.
With both offenses likely to play conservatively and both defenses poised to dictate the action, all signs point to a gritty, field-position battle. The Vikings' stability and defensive prowess give them the clear edge to grind out a win on the road.
VPicks:
- Minnesota Vikings -1.5 (-110)
- Under 43.5 (-112)
- Player Prop: Caleb Williams Over 0.5 Interceptions (-133)
Recent History of the NFC North Rilvary
The Vikings have thoroughly controlled this NFC North rivalry in recent years. They have won seven of the last eight head-to-head matchups against the Bears. From a betting perspective, the Bears have struggled to keep pace, posting a dismal 1-3-1 record against the spread in the last five meetings. These games have also been characterized by strong defensive play, with the Under cashing in four of the last five contests.