Who Plays Monday Night Football Tonight: Bears vs Vikings Kick Off Week 1

The NFL lights are back on Monday night. The Chicago Bears host the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field. Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. ET on Monday, September 8, 2025. Fans can watch live on ESPN and ABC.

This is the first Monday Night Football game of the new season. The spotlight is on two young quarterbacks. Caleb Williams leads the Bears. J.J. McCarthy makes his long-awaited NFL debut for the Vikings.

Bears vs Vikings: Monday Night Football Matchup

Chicago enters this primetime game with hope. Williams was the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. He showed flashes as a rookie and is now team captain under new head coach Ben Johnson. Much of the Bears’ season depends on his growth.

Minnesota has high expectations too. J.J. McCarthy was drafted 10th overall in 2024. He missed all of last year with a torn meniscus. Tonight is his official NFL debut. He takes over after Sam Darnold led the team to the playoffs last season.

The NFC North rivalry adds intensity. Both teams want a fast start. The Bears need to protect home field. The Vikings want to prove they are still a contender. Soldier Field is set for a loud and fiery night.

According to ESPN, Monday Night Football coverage begins with “Monday Night Countdown.” Joe Buck and Troy Aikman will call the game. Peyton and Eli Manning return with the ManningCast on ESPN2. SiriusXM will provide national and team radio calls.

What Fans Can Expect Tonight

The game offers more than just a season opener. It is a battle between two rookie-era quarterbacks. Williams is trying to prove he can handle pressure in his second season. McCarthy wants to show he belongs on the big stage.

The Bears will lean on a new offensive system. Their defense needs to slow down Minnesota’s explosive weapons. The Vikings will test how quickly McCarthy can read pro defenses. Fans will see if Chicago’s home crowd gives them an edge.

Kickoff is 8:15 p.m. ET. Coverage is on ABC, ESPN, and ESPN2. Live streaming is available through the ESPN app and Fubo. Radio broadcasts are on SiriusXM. Betting markets list the Vikings as slight favorites by 1.5 points, with an over/under around 43.5.

This is the type of Monday Night Football that sets the tone for a season. Two NFC North rivals. Two young quarterbacks. A sold-out Soldier Field. The NFL could not ask for a better start.

The Bears vs Vikings headline Monday Night Football tonight. It is the first primetime clash of the new NFL season, and all eyes are on Soldier Field.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who plays Monday Night Football tonight?

The Chicago Bears play the Minnesota Vikings. The game is at Soldier Field in Chicago. Kickoff is at 8:15 p.m. ET.

Q2: What channel is Monday Night Football on?

The game airs on ABC and ESPN. The ManningCast with Peyton and Eli is on ESPN2.

Q3: Who are the starting quarterbacks tonight?

Caleb Williams starts for the Bears. J.J. McCarthy makes his NFL debut for the Vikings.

Q4: Where can fans stream Monday Night Football?

Fans can stream on the ESPN app and Fubo. Radio coverage is on SiriusXM channels 88, 225, and 226.

Q5: What are the betting odds for Bears vs Vikings?

The Vikings are slight favorites by 1.5 points. The over/under is set at 43.5 total points.