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Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears NFL Week 1 Tips & Predictions - Is J.J McCarthy all he is cracked up to be?
The Minnesota Vikings are predicted to start their 2025 NFL campaign with a win over the Chicago Bears. With rookie QB J.J. McCarthy debuting and coming off an injury, Minnesota's offense will likely lean on the run game, especially with Aaron Jones projected to surpass 50.5 rushing yards. Despite a promising offseason, the Bears still have questions around rookie QB Caleb Williams and their defense. Historical trends favor the Vikings (7 of last 8 matchups won), and the under on 44.5 total points is a strong play. Expect a low-scoring, run-heavy contest.
- Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears Expert NFL Tips for Week 1
- Kick Off is at 10:15 AM AEST at Soldier Field
- Vikings favored to win opener vs Bears, led by rookie QB J.J. McCarthy.
- Aaron Jones projected to rush for over 50.5 yards.
Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears NFL Week 1 Tips
Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears NFL Week 1 Tips & Predictions
Minnesota will start their 2025 campaign on Monday Night Football with a victory over their NFC North rivals the Chicago Bears, handing rookie QB J.J McCarthy his first NFL victory.
- Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears NFL Week 1 Tips & Predictions
- Head to Head Record
- Minnesota Vikings Form
- Minnesota Vikings Betting Trends
- Chicago Bears Form
- Chicago Bears Betting Trends
- Minnesota Vikings vs Chicago Bears Frequently Asked Questions
All eyes will be on McCarthy and the Vikings offence after sending their 14-3 quarterback Sam Darnold to the Seahawks in the offseason, showing faith in their young thrower who is coming back from a meniscus injury that caused him to miss last season.
There is hype around the Bears after acquiring Ben Johnson as their head coach and splashing on their offensive line, however, I am not ready to put any confidence in Caleb Williams and the Bears defence against Kevin O’Connell.
I am staying away from the passing markets and looking to a veteran to get a return in this match, which I believe will be dominated by the run game, especially on the Vikings side. Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason will team up in the backfield for Minnesota but I expect that Jones will see the majority of the snaps early in the season so I am taking his over 50.5 rushing yards line.
As mentioned, the run will feature heavily which is why I like the under 44.5 points with a rookie QB on one side and a second-year QB still looking to find some confidence.
- Minnesota have won 7 of the last 8 matches against Chicago
- 4 of the last 5 matches between the Vikings and Bears has gone under 44.5 points.
- Aaron Jones rushed for over 50.5 yards in 11 of 16 games last season
- The Bears were ranked 28th against the rush in 2024, giving up an average of 136 yards per game.
Head to Head Record
All Time Record
Minnesota Vikings lead all-time series 68-58-2.
Most Recent Matchup
| Date | Result |
|---|---|
| Dec 16, 2024 |
Statistical Rankings
| Stat | MIN | CHI |
|---|---|---|
| Points Scored/Game | 25.4 (9th) | 18.2 (28th) |
| Points Allowed/Game | 19.5 (5th) | 21.8 (13th) |
| Pass Yds/Game | 237 (6th) | 181 (31st) |
| Rush Yds/Game | 109 (19th) | 102 (25th) |
| Def. Pass Yds/Game | 242 (28th) | 217 (16th) |
| Def. Rush Yds/Game | 93 (2nd) | 136 (28th) |
Minnesota Vikings Form
It has been a wild offseason for the Vikings considering they went 14-3 last season. Sam Darnold led Minnesota to their best record since going 15-1 in 1998 and was released early to the Seattle Seahawks with JJ McCarthy returning from his injury which saw him miss the entirety of his rookie season.
The Vikings defence was a rock, averaging just 19.5 points against ranked 6th in the NFL, giving up just 93 average yards on the ground (2nd best in NFL). There were problems in the secondary though as the fifth-worst against the pass, however, they picked up Isiah Rodgers from the Super Bowl champs.
Minnesota’s chances will likely ride on the young shoulders of J.J McCarthy and how he adjusts to the NFL.
Minnesota Vikings Betting Trends
| Team | Record | ATS | O/U | Away | Home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 MIN | 0-0-0 | 0-0-0 | 0-0-0 | 0-0-0 | 0-0-0 |
Chicago Bears Form
Chicago Bears fans have every right to be optimistic heading into the new 2025 NFL season under former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, but they still have to be skeptical about their chances.
The Bears went 5-12 last season and it wasn’t a dynasty year for the very hyped Caleb Williams at quarterback. To be fair, Williams didn’t get much help from his o-line and was the second-most pressured (hits+hurries+sacks) quarterback in the NFL.
Chicago actually had one of their better offseasons, picking up Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson to protect Williams. They also brought in Durham Smythe at tight-end, also due to his blocking skills more than receiving nature.
Chicago Bears Betting Trends
| Team | Record | ATS | O/U | Away | Home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 CHI | 0-0-0 | 0-0-0 | 0-0-0 | 0-0-0 | 0-0-0 |
Minnesota Vikings vs Chicago Bears Frequently Asked Questions
What time does Minnesota Vikings vs Chicago Bears start?
Kickoff between Minnesota Vikings vs Chicago Bears is at 10:15 AM AEST, Tuesday
What channel is Minnesota Vikings vs Chicago Bears on?
You can watch Minnesota Vikings vs Chicago Bears on DAZN
Verdict
Aaron Jones will rush for over 50.5 yards as the Vikings edge the Bears covering as 1.5 point favourites in a game that will see less than 44.5 points.
Minnesota -1.5
Handicap/Line
$1.91 - 3 Units
Pandabet
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Under 44.5
Game Total
$1.91 - 2 Units
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Aaron Jones Over 50.5
Rushing Yards Total
$1.91 - 2 Units
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