Bragging rights are up for grabs in the NFC North on Sunday when the Chicago Bears take on the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field.
Chicago finished top of the division in 2025 with an 11-6 record, while the Vikings missed out on the playoffs despite finishing the season 9-8.
Minnesota had quarterback issues last year and tried to improve that by bringing in Kyler Murray in the offseason, only for him to suffer a concussion against the Green Bay Packers last week.
Murray is out for this Week 2 matchup and Chicago go into the game as the heavy favorites after they hammered the Carolina Panthers 59-37 last week.
Vikings vs. Bears betting tips and predictions
Chicago Bears -4.5 (-110)
It finished 1-1 in the head-to-head battle last season between these two teams and the biggest margin of victory was three points.
Minnesota's defense is hard to overcome thanks to the brilliance of defensive coordinator Brian Flores and this game promises to be a tactical battle, with Chicago head coach Ben Johnson trying to pick holes in the Vikings' D.
Chicago lost to Minnesota in Week 1 last season, but that was only one of two defeats at home. They continued to improve under Johnson and last week's display against Carolina was further evidence of how explosive their offense can be.
While Minnesota beat Green Bay, they conceded 353 passing yards last week and Bears quarterback Caleb Williams should have a field day against their secondary if they repeat that performance.
Green Bay also recorded three sacks against the Vikings and backup quarterback Carson Wentz is not exactly known for his quick feet.
Wentz is a fine backup, but the Bears should find it much easier to pressure him and force him into mistakes. While he threw three touchdown passes, Wentz only recorded 133 passing yards, so his role of "game manager" should reduce the impact of Minnesota's offense.
Colston Loveland 50+ receiving yards (-135)
Chicago finished Week 1 with 261 passing yards, even though Colston Loveland made no impact.
The Bears tight end finished the first game of the season with zero catches from two targets.
Green Bay tight end Tucker Kraft finished with 65 yards against the Vikings, while backup Jonnu Smith recorded 50 yards from two receptions and Loveland looks set for a bounce-back game.
Williams targeted Loveland 82 times in 2025 and he finished with 713 receiving yards, so expect him to return to his normal levels this weekend.
Caleb Williams Over 30 rushing yards (+100)
The Vikings will do all they can to make Williams uncomfortable on Sunday, but the Bears playmaker is more than happy to use his legs to push his team downfield.
Williams recorded 65 yards from 10 carries against the Panthers while he had some success against the Vikings on the ground in 2025.
In his first game against Minnesota, Williams recorded 58 rushing yards from six carries. In the rematch, he finished with 26 yards from four runs.
The fact that Williams made 77 rush attempts in the regular season in 2025 tells you he is happy to think on his feet and move when the pocket collapses.
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Vikings vs. Bears odds
Minnesota Vikings | +180 |
Chicago Bears | -220 |
Spread | CHI Bears -4.5 |
Total | O/U 47.5 |
Vikings vs. Bears player props
Anytime touchdown
Aaron Jones (MIN Vikings) | -130 |
D'Andre Swift (CHI Bears) | -125 |
Justin Jefferson (MIN Vikings) | +160 |
Luther Burden III (CHI Bears) | +175 |
Colston Loveland (CHI Bears) | +180 |
Kyle Monangai (CHI Bears) | +185 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
