Fans of the Minnesota Vikings have literally been waiting years to see their new franchise quarterback start a real football game. The NFL schedule makers only added to the drama by pushing J.J. McCarthy’s anticipated debut to Monday Night Football in Week 1.
Minnesota’s opponent for that season-opening game is perfect — the NFC North rival Chicago Bears, at Soldier Field. Caleb Williams vs. McCarthy. Ben Johnson’s first game as head coach vs. Kevin O’Connell, the reigning NFL Coach of the Year. The storylines are clearly there for what will be a marquee national broadcast.
And Chicago should have its hands full, right? Minnesota not only boasts a veteran-laden roster but arguably the best top-to-bottom coaching staff in the NFL.
CBS Sports' John Breech is predicting an early statement — just not one that Vikings fans will want to hear.
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The hype around McCarthy and the Vikings has been palpable at times this offseason, but not everyone believes in the team for the 2025 campaign.
Breech is among those not buying into that uncertainty, as he's picked the Bears to spoil McCarthy’s debut on MNF.
“This is an intriguing game: Not only will J.J. McCarthy be making his first start for Minnesota, but Ben Johnson will be making his coaching debut for the Bears. The Vikings won't have Jordan Addison, and Justin Jefferson has been dealing with a hamstring issue in training camp, so Minnesota's receiving group won't be at full strength. With the Bears playing at home in prime time, we'll give them the slight edge.”
While Minnesota’s current situation at wide receiver is less than ideal, it’s being overblown. The team put Justin Jefferson in bubble wrap with a hamstring strain early in camp, but that was never considered a long-term issue, and he’s already back practicing. And, of course, the Vikings just acquired Adam Thielen in a trade with the Carolina Panthers.
Minnesota’s game plan in the season opener will likely reflect its approach to the 2025 league year. It’s all about protecting McCarthy, and the Bears should expect a heavy dose of Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason as the Vikings’ young quarterback settles in.
Breech is also downplaying Chicago’s matchup with Brian Flores and Minnesota’s defense, which pressured Williams a whopping 34 times in two meetings in 2024, per Pro Football Focus, including three sacks by edge rusher Jonathan Greenard.
Vikings-Bears could obviously go either way in the opener, and there are a bunch of unknown factors at this point. But if you believe the Vikings’ 14 wins last season were no fluke — and you believe in McCarthy — you have to like their chances to compete against a young Chicago team in Week 1.