Did the Bears Win? Chicago Falls Short in Season Opener Against Vikings

The Chicago Bears opened their 2025 NFL season with a tough 27-24 loss to the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field on Monday night. Rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy led a dramatic fourth-quarter rally that sealed the win for Minnesota.

Chicago held a halftime lead and looked in control early, but late mistakes proved costly. First-year head coach Ben Johnson admitted the team had opportunities but failed to finish. The Bears’ defense kept them ahead most of the night before the Vikings stormed back.

Bears Lose Grip After Strong Start

The Bears led 10-6 at halftime. Caleb Williams scored his first NFL rushing touchdown on a nine-yard scramble. Chicago extended the lead to 17-6 after Nahshon Wright intercepted McCarthy and returned it 74 yards for a touchdown.

Momentum shifted in the fourth quarter. McCarthy connected with Justin Jefferson for a 13-yard touchdown. He later found Aaron Jones for a 27-yard score. A 14-yard rushing touchdown gave Minnesota a 27-17 advantage with under three minutes to play.

Chicago answered with a late one-yard touchdown pass from Williams to Rome Odunze, cutting the gap to 27-24. But time ran out before the Bears could complete the comeback. According to the Associated Press, the Vikings converted three touchdowns in the fourth quarter to flip the result.

Caleb Williams Shines but Bears Fall Short

Williams completed 21 of 35 passes for 210 yards with one passing and one rushing touchdown. He also led the Bears in rushing with 58 yards. His poise showed early when he started 10-for-10 and kept drives alive under pressure.

The Bears’ defense played well for three quarters, forcing four early three-and-outs. They held Minnesota to just 80 yards in the first half. However, missing starters like T.J. Edwards and Jaylon Johnson hurt late. A missed 50-yard field goal by Cairo Santos also shifted momentum.

Ben Johnson called the loss “a disappointing way to start,” stressing that late mistakes made the difference. He noted the effort was strong but execution faltered when it mattered most.

The Bears did not win the opener. They now face a tough schedule ahead and must rebound quickly.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Did the Bears win their season opener?

No. The Chicago Bears lost 27-24 to the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field on Monday night.

Q2: Who led the Vikings to victory?

Rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy scored three fourth-quarter touchdowns, two passing and one rushing.

Q3: How did Caleb Williams perform?

Williams threw for 210 yards, one touchdown, and rushed for another. He also led the Bears with 58 rushing yards.

Q4: What was the key turning point?

The Bears missed a 50-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter. The Vikings scored on the next drive and never looked back.

Q5: What did coach Ben Johnson say after the game?

Johnson said the team made too many mistakes late and called it a tough way to start his head-coaching career.