Is the Minnesota Vikings defense worth starting against the Bears in Week 1?

The Minnesota Vikings‘ defense is the tone setter of the entire team in 2025, just as it was in 2024.

Led by playmakers off the edge and in the secondary, Brian Flores coaches a unit that is arguably among the best in the NFL. With the likes of Andrew Van Ginkel, Jonathan Greenard, Harrison Smith, and more, they can handle anything opposing offenses throw at them.

Advertisement

That brings us to the question we want to discuss today, which is, can you start the Vikings defense in Week 1 of your fantasy matchup? We say yes.

In 2024, the Vikings had the Chicago Bears‘ numbers, and they were able to control Caleb Williams and the offense. While they got pushed in their later-season matchup, they will be trying to install a whole new system in Week 1, which favors the Vikings more than it hurts them. The Bears and Caleb Williams have not had to do this yet in a big game setting, so there will be growing pains.

Those growing pains are exactly what the Vikings defense can take advantage of while helping you win your Week 1 matchup.

This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Is the Vikings defense worth starting against the Bears in Week 1?