The Chicago Bears enter the 2025 season with a renewed sense of optimism as they prepare to host the Minnesota Vikings in their Monday night season opener at Soldier Field, launching the Ben Johnson era with the hope of reinvigorating a franchise that finished 5–12 last year but showed surprising resilience against the spread at 9–7–1. Johnson, the former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator, takes over a Bears team hungry for offensive identity and quarterback stability, two elements that have eluded the organization for years. The Bears spent the offseason reshaping the offense, including upgrades along the offensive line and skill positions to support the development of their young quarterback, whether it’s Justin Fields still at the helm or a fresh rookie like Caleb Williams taking snaps after being selected first overall. Whichever direction they go under center, the Bears’ new-look offense will emphasize timing routes, play-action, and quick-decision play-calling intended to reduce turnovers and increase third-down efficiency—two areas that plagued them in 2024. At running back, Khalil Herbert returns to anchor the ground game, while D.J. Moore remains the top receiving option, now complemented by additions like rookie WR Keon Coleman and tight end Cole Kmet, who provides reliable production in the short passing game.

On defense, Chicago remains a work in progress but does have key talent at all levels, including linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, cornerback Jaylon Johnson, and safety Jaquan Brisker, all of whom will be crucial in trying to confuse and contain Minnesota’s rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Defensive coordinator Eric Washington is expected to lean on disguised coverages and delayed blitzes to try to force mistakes from McCarthy and keep Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison in check, though that task remains tall against a potent offense that spreads the field efficiently. The Bears’ best chance at pulling an upset lies in dominating time of possession, avoiding early deficits, and generating at least two takeaways to swing momentum. Special teams could play a role as well, with kicker Cairo Santos among the more consistent in the league and return specialist Velus Jones Jr. capable of flipping field position. History, however, is not on their side—the Bears haven’t covered the spread against the Vikings since 2020, and they’ve often fallen short in closing out competitive games late. Still, the energy inside Soldier Field should be electric with a new coach, a reimagined offense, and a divisional rival coming to town, giving Chicago an emotional edge that could pay dividends early. If Johnson’s system clicks quickly and the defense can rattle McCarthy into rookie mistakes, the Bears may hang around longer than oddsmakers anticipate. Ultimately, the Week 1 matchup will serve as a crucial litmus test for how far the Bears have come in their rebuild and whether they can finally turn promise into production in front of a national audience.