play

Ben Johnson hired as head coach for Chicago Bears

Discover key insights into Ben Johnson, the former offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions.

Monday Night Football concludes Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season, featuring the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings in an NFC North showdown. The TV channel is ABC and ESPN, with the livestream on the ESPN app.

This game features the NFL debut of Vikings second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy, after he missed all of last season following surgery for a torn meniscus in his knee suffered during an exhibition game. The last time we saw McCarthy — the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft — in a game that mattered, he helped lead the Michigan Wolverines to the College Football Playoff championship title in a 34-13 rout of Washington.

This is also the debut of Ben Johnson as Bears coach, after he directed one of the NFL’s best offenses with the Detroit Lions the past three seasons as offensive coordinator and play-caller. Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in 2024, starts his second year at quarterback for the Bears.

Johnson is the first Lions coordinator in 62 years to leave for an NFL head coach job since JFK was President (Don Shula in 1963).

Bears-Vikings start time is 8:15 p.m. in Chicago at Soldier Field.

Here’s what you need to know for the game on Monday night:

Watch Bears Vikings stream on ESPN

What is the Monday Night Football game in Week 1?

The Monday Night Football game in Week 1 on Sept. 8 is Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears.

What time is Bears vs Vikings game on Monday Night Football?Date: Monday, Sept. 8.Time: 8:15 p.m. ET.Where: Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois.What channel is Bears vs Vikings game on?

TV channel: ABC and ESPN (main broadcast) and ESPN2 (ManningCast).

Livestream: On the ESPN app.

Bears vs Vikings injury reportBears: Doubtful: LB T.J. Edwards. Questionable: RB Roschon Johnson, CB Josh Blackwell, CB Jaylon Johnson.Vikings: Out: RB Zavier Scott, DL Elijah Williams. Doubtful: S Harrison Smith. Questionable: OT Christian Darrisaw.Who is announcing the Bears Vikings on Monday Night Football?ESPN play-by-play: Joe Buck.Analyst: Troy Aikman.Sideline reporters: Lisa Salters, Laura Rutledge.

Buck and Aikman are once again paired together for their fourth season of Monday Night Football on ESPN. Lisa Salters and Laura Rutledge are the sideline reporters this season.

Bears Vikings radio for Monday Night Football Week 1

National radio: On Westwood One with Kevin Harlan (play-by-play) and Kurt Warner (analysis).

Is there a ManningCast tonight for Bears vs Vikings on Monday night?

Yes, Peyton Manning and Eli Manning will host their live alternative broadcast during the Vikings-Bears game in Week 1 on Monday Night Football. You can watch ManningCast on ESPN2 and stream on the ESPN app. The show features live reaction, analysis and guests.

TV: ESPN2.Stream: On ESPN DTC on the ESPN app.Bears vs Vikings betting oddsGame spread: Vikings -1½.Over/under: 44.Moneyline: Vikings -120, Bears +100.

Odds provided by BetMGM as of Sunday.