Vikings to Open 2025 Season Monday Night in Chicago

Minnesota Vikings will kick off their 2025 campaign on Monday, September 8, at Soldier Field against the Chicago Bears in a Monday Night Football slot airing at 8:15 pm ET. This primetime opener marks the Vikings’ first MNF season debut since 2019.

The Week 1 matchup not only features rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy making his NFL regular-season debut but also pits him against fellow 2024 first-round pick Caleb Williams of the Bears. With playoff expectations high after last season’s 14-3 record, Minnesota aims to set the tone early under head coach Kevin O’Connell.

Looking beyond Week 1, the Vikings’ 18-game slate includes two international contests: Week 4 in Dublin against the Pittsburgh Steelers (Sept 28, 9:30 am ET) at Croke Park and Week 5 in London facing the Cleveland Browns (Oct 5, 9:30 am ET). Key prime-time matchups feature hosting the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday Night Football in Week 2 (Sept 14, 8:20 pm ET) and a Thursday Night Football trip to Los Angeles to face the Chargers in Week 8 (Oct 23, 8:15 pm ET). The team also has a Christmas Day home game versus the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium (Dec 25, 4:30 pm ET).

Remaining schedule highlights:

Week 3 vs. Cincinnati Bengals, Sept 21, 1:00 pm ET at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Bye Week in Week 6.
NFC North rivalries include road dates at Green Bay (Nov 23, 1:00 pm ET) and two clashes with Chicago (Week 11 and Week 1 opener) by season’s end.
Season finale in Week 18 back at U.S. Bank Stadium hosting the Packers (Jan 4, 2026, TBD).

With a balanced mix of prime-time showcases and challenging international trips, the Vikings’ 2025 schedule offers both excitement and early tests of their Super Bowl credentials.

References 2025 Minnesota Vikings Schedule - CBSSports.com