The Bears and Vikings will wrap up Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season with a primetime matchup on Monday Night Football at Soldier Field. 

Ben Johnson will make his regular-season head coaching debut against Kevin O’Connell – the reigning NFL coach of the year. Second-year quarterbacks Caleb Williams and J.J. McCarthy will face off for the first time since they were both drafted No. 1 and No. 10 overall in last year’s draft, respectively. 

Before the Bears and Vikings take the field, here are the five players to watch on Monday Night Football. 

D’Andre Swift 

A good way to slow down the Vikings’ pass rush is to establish a rushing attack. If the Bears can establish the run on Monday night, D’Andre Swift will be the catalyst to make that happen. 

Johnson has described Swift as a spark for the offense, and the 5-foot-8, 204-pound running back can create explosive plays when given the opportunity. With a revamped interior offensive line, that could be exactly what Swift needs to have a bounce-back season. 

The Bears can’t afford to have the Vikings’ pass rush take over the game, so Swift will have to play effectively to keep Flores honest in his play calling. 

Caleb Williams 

This was an obvious one, but of course, Caleb Williams is one of the top players to watch in this game. 

There has been plenty of anticipation for the second-year quarterback since Johnson became Chicago’s head coach. With Johnson’s creativity and effective play calling, it’s time to see how that impacts Williams and elevates his game going into Year 2.

How the Bears’ quarterback handles the Vikings’ pressure will be pivotal in this primetime matchup. 

Braxton Jones 

Bears head coach Ben Johnson named Braxton Jones the team’s starting left tackle on Sept. 2. He will now start against one of the most difficult defenses in the NFL on Monday night. 

Jones spoke to the media in the locker room on the same day he was named the starter. The veteran offensive lineman was transparent about his physical makeup, specifically his “power outputage”, as something he needs to continue to build up. 

Well, the season is here, and he will have to perform despite not being 100%. 

Andrew Van Ginkel 

Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores maximizes Andrew Van Ginkel’s versatility. On one snap, the 6-foot-4, 242-pound outside linebacker can be on the edge, ready to rush the quarterback, and the next snap, he can be in coverage from the same alignment. 

Van Ginkel finished with 11.5 sacks last season and had one against Williams in the first meeting against the Bears and Vikings in 2024. He is someone who needs constant attention and will be all over the field on Monday night. 

Aaron Jones 

The last time Aaron Jones faced the Bears at Soldier Field, the veteran back went for 106 yards on 22 attempts and scored a rushing touchdown. He also caught three passes for 23 yards, including a 14-yard reception on third-and-13 late in the fourth quarter that helped the Vikings get a field goal. 

Jones can help make life easier for Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who will be making his first career regular-season start. The Vikings will likely be without linebacker T.J. Edwards on Monday night, which adds to the importance of containing the Vikings’ rushing attack.