Let’s see who the experts are picking to win the game:
Bears 19, Vikings 17 – Gennaro Filice, NFL.com
Heading into the 2025 season, is there a more polarizing player in the entire league than Caleb Williams? Interestingly, last year, he wasn’t even the most polarizing quarterback in his own draft cycle. J.J. McCarthy held that distinction, with skeptics degrading his role in Michigan’s offense and supporters praising his winning pedigree. Upon arrival in Minnesota, McCarthy promptly turned heads with a flashy preseason debut … but it turned out he suffered a meniscus tear in the game, ending his rookie campaign before it truly started. Meanwhile, Williams helped lead Chicago to a 4-2 start … but then the Bears completely fell apart, emboldening Caleb critics to fully let their hate flags fly. Was his season an utter failure? No, he finished with decent Year 1 stats in a number of categories, showcasing enticing tools in spurts. That said, he just held on to the ball too long, allowing defenders (and detractors) to tee off on the ballyhooed No. 1 overall pick. With all of that in mind, it feels quite fitting for these two lightning rods to close the season’s opening week on national television. Who will prevail? Whatever the outcome, the takes undoubtedly will be hot. Ain’t nobody maintaining proper perspective with these two. But with one of them making his true NFL debut on the road against a division rival in the Monday night spotlight, I’ll take the home ‘dog with 17 pro starts under his belt.
The Chicago offense with Caleb Williams should be better with Johnson, while McCarthy is a big unknown. Making your first start on the road is always tough. This will be no different. Bears take it in a small upset.