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NFL · Week 1 · September 8, 2025 · 12 min read

Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears: 2025 Week 1 Recap

Vikings defeat Bears 27–24 in Week 1

Andre Jones Jr. led Fantasy Impact as Vikings prevailed in a 27–24 Week 1 finish.

Minnesota Vikings 27 1–0 Winner
Final 27–24
Chicago Bears 24 0–1
Winner
Minnesota Vikings
Final score
27–24
Halftime
Minnesota Vikings 9–13 Chicago Bears
Top passer
Connor Williams
FantasyHQ MVP
Andre Jones Jr.
Game date
September 8, 2025

Top fantasy performers · Vikings

  • Andre Jones Jr.
    Andre Jones Jr. 3 REC · 44 YDS · 1 TD +4.2 Fantasy Impact
  • J.J. McCarthy
    J.J. McCarthy 1 CAR · 14 YDS · 1 TD +2.7 Fantasy Impact
  • Jordan Jefferson
    Jordan Jefferson 1 CAR · 4 YDS -0.1 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Bears

  • Kyle Monangai
    Kyle Monangai 1 REC · 11 YDS +1.1 Fantasy Impact
  • Connor Williams
    Connor Williams 21/46 · 256 YDS · 3 TD +0.6 Fantasy Impact
  • Olamide Zaccheaus
    Olamide Zaccheaus 4 REC · 42 YDS +0.4 Fantasy Impact
View Vikings vs Bears box score View all 2025 NFL game recaps

Quick answer

Winner
Minnesota Vikings
Final score
Minnesota Vikings 27–24 Chicago Bears
Halftime
Minnesota Vikings 9–13 Chicago Bears at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP
Andre Jones Jr.
Top passer
Connor Williams
Biggest EPA play
(13:03) (Shotgun) 9-J.McCarthy pass short left intended for 18-J.Jefferson INTERCEPTED by …
Game date
2025-09-08

Game summary

The Minnesota Vikings beat the Chicago Bears 27–24 on 2025-09-08, overcoming Chicago Bears's 13–9 halftime lead. Andre Jones Jr. posted a game-high +4.19 total EPA in the receiving.

The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 34 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q3Q4—T
Minnesota Vikings09027027
Chicago Bears7677024

How the game unfolded

Scoring plays pinned to the field — same view as the live analytics box score.

Minnesota Vikings
Chicago Bears
  1. +6Connor Williams
    Chicago Bears TDConnor Williams(7:12) (Shotgun) 18-C.Williams scrambles left end for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
    MIN 9 · Q1 7:12 · 0-6
  2. +1
    Chicago Bears XP8-C.Santos extra point is GOOD, Center-46-S.Daly, Holder-19-T.Taylor.
    MIN 15 · Q1 7:04 · 0-7
  3. +3Will Reichard
    Minnesota Vikings FGWill Reichard(12:51) 16-W.Reichard 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-17-R.Wright.
    CHI 14 · Q2 12:51 · 3-7
  4. +3Cairo Santos
    Chicago Bears FGCairo Santos(:28) 8-C.Santos 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-S.Daly, Holder-19-T.Taylor.
    MIN 24 · Q2 0:28 · 3-10
  5. +3Cairo Santos
    Chicago Bears FGCairo Santos8-C.Santos kicks 59 yards from CHI 35 to MIN 6. 4-M.Price to MIN 31 for 25 yards (33-J.Jones; 92-D.Hardy).
    CHI 35 · Q2 0:24 · 3-10
  6. +3Will Reichard
    Minnesota Vikings FGWill Reichard(:11) 16-W.Reichard 59 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-17-R.Wright.
    CHI 41 · Q2 0:11 · 6-10
  7. +3Will Reichard
    Minnesota Vikings FGWill Reichard16-W.Reichard kicks 59 yards from MIN 35 to CHI 6. 10-L.Burden to 50 for 44 yards (24-J.Ward).
    MIN 35 · Q2 0:06 · 6-10
  8. +6Nahshon Wright
    Chicago Bears TDNahshon Wright(13:03) (Shotgun) 9-J.McCarthy pass short left intended for 18-J.Jefferson INTERCEPTED by 26-N.Wright at CHI 26. 26-N.Wright for 74 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
    CHI 32 · Q3 13:03 · 6-16
  9. +1
    Chicago Bears XP8-C.Santos extra point is GOOD, Center-46-S.Daly, Holder-19-T.Taylor.
    MIN 15 · Q3 12:51 · 6-17
  10. +6Jordan Jefferson
    Minnesota Vikings TDJordan Jefferson (J.McCarthy pass pass)(12:18) (Shotgun) 9-J.McCarthy pass short middle to 18-J.Jefferson for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
    CHI 13 · Q4 12:18 · 12-17
  11. +6Andre Jones Jr.
    Minnesota Vikings TDAndre Jones Jr. (J.McCarthy pass pass)(9:52) (Shotgun) 9-J.McCarthy pass deep right to 33-A.Jones for 27 yards, TOUCHDOWN. ** Injury Update: CHI-26-N.Wright has returned to the game.
    CHI 27 · Q4 9:52 · 18-17
  12. +2
    Minnesota Vikings SafetyTWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 9-J.McCarthy pass to 19-A.Thielen is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
    CHI 2 · Q4 9:46 · 20-17
  13. +6J.J. McCarthy
    Minnesota Vikings TDJ.J. McCarthy(2:59) (Shotgun) 9-J.McCarthy right end for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
    CHI 14 · Q4 2:59 · 26-17
  14. +7
    Minnesota Vikings TD16-W.Reichard extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-17-R.Wright.
    CHI 15 · Q4 2:53 · 27-17
  15. +6Rome Odunze
    Chicago Bears TDRome Odunze (C.Williams pass pass)(2:05) 18-C.Williams pass short middle to 15-R.Odunze for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
    MIN 1 · Q4 2:05 · 27-23
  16. +1
    Chicago Bears XP8-C.Santos extra point is GOOD, Center-46-S.Daly, Holder-19-T.Taylor.
    MIN 15 · Q4 2:02 · 27-24

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

  1. 1Andre Jones Jr.Andre Jones Jr. · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +4.19 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.40 EPA/play
  2. 2J.J. McCarthyJ.J. McCarthy · Minnesota Vikings · Rushing · +2.72 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.72 EPA/play
  3. 3Kyle MonangaiKyle Monangai · Chicago Bears · Receiving · +1.07 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.07 EPA/play
  4. 4Connor WilliamsConnor Williams · Chicago Bears · Passing · +0.59 total EPA · 46 snaps · +0.01 EPA/play
  5. 5Olamide ZaccheausOlamide Zaccheaus · Chicago Bears · Receiving · +0.40 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.06 EPA/play
  6. 6David MooreDavid Moore · Chicago Bears · Receiving · +0.00 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.00 EPA/play
  7. 7Jordan JeffersonJordan Jefferson · Minnesota Vikings · Rushing · -0.07 total EPA · 1 snaps · -0.07 EPA/play
  8. 8Jordan MasonJordan Mason · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · -0.08 total EPA · 1 snaps · -0.08 EPA/play

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.

Andre Jones Jr.

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Andre Jones Jr. — MIN · Receiving

Andre Jones Jr. posted the highest total EPA (+4.19) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Minnesota Vikings. Across 3 counted snaps, they averaged +1.40 EPA per play.

Andre Jones Jr.'s top snap (+2.91 EPA): (15:00) (Shotgun) 9-J.McCarthy pass incomplete deep left to 33-A.Jones. PENALTY on CHI-26-N.Wright, Defensive Pass Interference, 42 yards, enforced at MIN 31 - No Play.

Biggest single play (-9.66 EPA): J.J. McCarthy — (13:03) (Shotgun) 9-J.McCarthy pass short left intended for 18-J.Jefferson INTERCEPTED by 26-N.Wright at CHI 26. 26-N.Wright for 74 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Quarterback report card

Connor Williams led all passers in efficiency for Chicago Bears, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

  • Connor WilliamsConnor Williams (Chicago Bears) · 46 dropbacks · 45.7% completion · -6.7% CPOE · +0.01 EPA/play · +0.59 total EPA
  • J.J. McCarthyJ.J. McCarthy (Minnesota Vikings) · 30 dropbacks · 43.3% completion · -3.3% CPOE · -0.13 EPA/play · -3.95 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.

StatMinnesota VikingsChicago Bears
Offensive EPA/play-0.064-0.111
Offensive success rate44.6%37.8%
Pass EPA/play-0.132+0.013
Rush EPA/play-0.026-0.199
Defensive EPA/play+0.111+0.064
Defensive success rate62.2%55.4%

Drive & efficiency notes

Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Minnesota Vikings -0.06, Chicago Bears -0.11) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

  • Minnesota Vikings: -0.06 EPA/play (32nd percentile vs. 2025 team-game averages)
  • Chicago Bears: -0.11 EPA/play (21st percentile vs. 2025 team-game averages)
  • Chicago Bears: 15 drives, -9.96 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
  • Minnesota Vikings: 13 drives, -4.76 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

  • Connor WilliamsChicago Bears — Connor Williams (Q1 7:12)
  • Nahshon WrightChicago Bears — Nahshon Wright (Q3 13:03)
  • Jordan JeffersonMinnesota Vikings — Jordan Jefferson (J.J. McCarthy pass) (Q4 12:18)
  • Andre Jones Jr.Minnesota Vikings — Andre Jones Jr. (J.J. McCarthy pass) (Q4 9:52)
  • J.J. McCarthyMinnesota Vikings — J.J. McCarthy (Q4 2:59)
  • Rome OdunzeChicago Bears — Rome Odunze (Connor Williams pass) (Q4 2:05)

Field goals

  • Will ReichardMinnesota Vikings — Will Reichard (Q2 12:51)
  • Cairo SantosChicago Bears — Cairo Santos (Q2 0:28)
  • Cairo SantosChicago Bears — Cairo Santos (Q2 0:24)
  • Will ReichardMinnesota Vikings — Will Reichard (Q2 0:11)
  • Will ReichardMinnesota Vikings — Will Reichard (Q2 0:06)
Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: Chicago Bears won the period 7–0. Chicago Bears found the end zone from the MIN 9 (Q1 7:12) — (7:12) (Shotgun) 18-C.Williams scrambles left end for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Chicago Bears added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q1 7:04) — 8-C.Santos extra point is GOOD, Center-46-S.Daly, Holder-19-T.Taylor..

The second quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 9–6. Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the CHI 14 (Q2 12:51) — (12:51) 16-W.Reichard 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-17-R.Wright.; Chicago Bears connected on a field goal from the MIN 24 (Q2 0:28) — (:28) 8-C.Santos 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-S.Daly, Holder-19-T.Taylor.; Chicago Bears connected on a field goal from the CHI 35 (Q2 0:24) — 8-C.Santos kicks 59 yards from CHI 35 to MIN 6. 4-M.Price to MIN 31 for 25 yards (33-J.Jones; 92-D.Hardy).; Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the CHI 41 (Q2 0:11) — (:11) 16-W.Reichard 59 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-17-R.Wright.; Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the MIN 35 (Q2 0:06) — 16-W.Reichard kicks 59 yards from MIN 35 to CHI 6. 10-L.Burden to 50 for 44 yards (24-J.Ward)..

The third quarter: Chicago Bears won the period 7–0. Chicago Bears found the end zone from the CHI 32 (Q3 13:03); Chicago Bears added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q3 12:51) — 8-C.Santos extra point is GOOD, Center-46-S.Daly, Holder-19-T.Taylor..

The fourth quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 27–7. Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the CHI 13 (Q4 12:18) — (12:18) (Shotgun) 9-J.McCarthy pass short middle to 18-J.Jefferson for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the CHI 27 (Q4 9:52); Minnesota Vikings registered a safety from the CHI 2 (Q4 9:46) — TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 9-J.McCarthy pass to 19-A.Thielen is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the CHI 14 (Q4 2:59) — (2:59) (Shotgun) 9-J.McCarthy right end for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the CHI 15 (Q4 2:53) — 16-W.Reichard extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-17-R.Wright.; Chicago Bears found the end zone from the MIN 1 (Q4 2:05) — (2:05) 18-C.Williams pass short middle to 15-R.Odunze for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Chicago Bears added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q4 2:02) — 8-C.Santos extra point is GOOD, Center-46-S.Daly, Holder-19-T.Taylor..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most.

  • Minnesota Vikings (Q3 13:03) — (13:03) (Shotgun) 9-J.McCarthy pass short left intended for 18-J.Jefferson INTERCEPTED by 26-N.Wright at CHI 26. 26-N.Wright for 74 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA -22.1% · EPA -9.66]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q4 9:52) — (9:52) (Shotgun) 9-J.McCarthy pass deep right to 33-A.Jones for 27 yards, TOUCHDOWN. ** Injury Update: CHI-26-N.Wright has returned to the game. [WPA +11.7% · EPA +2.82]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q4 9:57) — (9:57) 9-J.McCarthy pass incomplete deep left to 1-J.Nailor [98-M.Sweat]. PENALTY on CHI-29-T.Stevenson, Defensive Pass Interference, 14 yards, enforced at CHI 41 - No Play. [WPA +10.3% · EPA +1.31]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q4 2:59) — (2:59) (Shotgun) 9-J.McCarthy right end for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +8.5% · EPA +2.72]
  • Chicago Bears (Q2 8:59) — (8:59) (Shotgun) 18-C.Williams pass incomplete short middle to 2-D.Moore. [WPA -7.5% · EPA -3.51]
Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

  • Minnesota Vikings (Q3 13:03) — (13:03) (Shotgun) 9-J.McCarthy pass short left intended for 18-J.Jefferson INTERCEPTED by 26-N.Wright at CHI 26. 26-N.Wright for 74 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA -22.1% · EPA -9.66]
  • Chicago Bears (Q2 8:59) — (8:59) (Shotgun) 18-C.Williams pass incomplete short middle to 2-D.Moore. [WPA -7.5% · EPA -3.51]
  • Chicago Bears (Q4 15:00) — (15:00) 8-C.Santos 50 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Right, Center-46-S.Daly, Holder-19-T.Taylor. [WPA -4.7% · EPA -3.39]
  • Minnesota Vikings (Q2 15:00) — (15:00) (Shotgun) 9-J.McCarthy pass incomplete deep left to 33-A.Jones. PENALTY on CHI-26-N.Wright, Defensive Pass Interference, 42 yards, enforced at MIN 31 - No Play. [WPA +6.7% · EPA +2.91]
Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

  1. Chicago Bears TD (+6) — Q1 7:12 · MIN 9 · Score 0-6
    (7:12) (Shotgun) 18-C.Williams scrambles left end for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  2. Chicago Bears XP (+1) — Q1 7:04 · MIN 15 · Score 0-7
    8-C.Santos extra point is GOOD, Center-46-S.Daly, Holder-19-T.Taylor.
  3. Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q2 12:51 · CHI 14 · Score 3-7
    (12:51) 16-W.Reichard 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-17-R.Wright.
  4. Chicago Bears FG (+3) — Q2 0:28 · MIN 24 · Score 3-10
    (:28) 8-C.Santos 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-S.Daly, Holder-19-T.Taylor.
  5. Chicago Bears FG (+3) — Q2 0:24 · CHI 35 · Score 3-10
    8-C.Santos kicks 59 yards from CHI 35 to MIN 6. 4-M.Price to MIN 31 for 25 yards (33-J.Jones; 92-D.Hardy).
  6. Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q2 0:11 · CHI 41 · Score 6-10
    (:11) 16-W.Reichard 59 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-17-R.Wright.
  7. Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q2 0:06 · MIN 35 · Score 6-10
    16-W.Reichard kicks 59 yards from MIN 35 to CHI 6. 10-L.Burden to 50 for 44 yards (24-J.Ward).
  8. Chicago Bears TD (+6) — Q3 13:03 · CHI 32 · Score 6-16
    (13:03) (Shotgun) 9-J.McCarthy pass short left intended for 18-J.Jefferson INTERCEPTED by 26-N.Wright at CHI 26. 26-N.Wright for 74 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  9. Chicago Bears XP (+1) — Q3 12:51 · MIN 15 · Score 6-17
    8-C.Santos extra point is GOOD, Center-46-S.Daly, Holder-19-T.Taylor.
  10. Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q4 12:18 · CHI 13 · Score 12-17
    (12:18) (Shotgun) 9-J.McCarthy pass short middle to 18-J.Jefferson for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  11. Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q4 9:52 · CHI 27 · Score 18-17
    (9:52) (Shotgun) 9-J.McCarthy pass deep right to 33-A.Jones for 27 yards, TOUCHDOWN. ** Injury Update: CHI-26-N.Wright has returned to the game.
  12. Minnesota Vikings Safety (+2) — Q4 9:46 · CHI 2 · Score 20-17
    TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 9-J.McCarthy pass to 19-A.Thielen is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
  13. Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q4 2:59 · CHI 14 · Score 26-17
    (2:59) (Shotgun) 9-J.McCarthy right end for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  14. Minnesota Vikings TD (+7) — Q4 2:53 · CHI 15 · Score 27-17
    16-W.Reichard extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-17-R.Wright.
  15. Chicago Bears TD (+6) — Q4 2:05 · MIN 1 · Score 27-23
    (2:05) 18-C.Williams pass short middle to 15-R.Odunze for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
  16. Chicago Bears XP (+1) — Q4 2:02 · MIN 15 · Score 27-24
    8-C.Santos extra point is GOOD, Center-46-S.Daly, Holder-19-T.Taylor.

Key takeaways

What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.

  • Minnesota Vikings earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
  • One-score margin — verify garbage-time stats before drawing fantasy conclusions.
  • Andre Jones Jr. (Minnesota Vikings) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
  • Connor Williams (CHI) finished below expected efficiency despite volume.

Frequently asked questions

Who won Minnesota Vikings vs Chicago Bears on 2025-09-08?

The Minnesota Vikings beat the Chicago Bears 27-24 in Week 1, 2025.

What was the score by quarter in Minnesota Vikings vs Chicago Bears?

Q1: Minnesota Vikings 0, Chicago Bears 7; Q2: Minnesota Vikings 9, Chicago Bears 6; Q3: Minnesota Vikings 0, Chicago Bears 7; Q4: Minnesota Vikings 27, Chicago Bears 7; Final: Minnesota Vikings 27, Chicago Bears 24.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Minnesota Vikings vs Chicago Bears?

Chicago Bears touchdown — C. Williams (Q1 7:12) Chicago Bears touchdown — N. Wright (Q3 13:03) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — J. Jefferson (J. McCarthy pass) (Q4 12:18) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — A. Jones (J. McCarthy pass) (Q4 9:52) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — J. McCarthy (Q4 2:59) Chicago Bears touchdown — R. Odunze (C. Williams pass) (Q4 2:05) Minnesota Vikings field goal — W. Reichard (Q2 12:51, 3 pts) Chicago Bears field goal — C. Santos (Q2 0:28, 3 pts) Chicago Bears field goal — C. Santos (Q2 0:24, 3 pts) Minnesota Vikings field goal — W. Reichard (Q2 0:11, 3 pts) Minnesota Vikings field goal — W. Reichard (Q2 0:06, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Minnesota Vikings vs Chicago Bears?

Connor Williams (Chicago Bears), 45.7% completion, -6.7% CPOE, +0.01 EPA per dropback, +0.59 total passing EPA. J.J. McCarthy (Minnesota Vikings), 43.3% completion, -3.3% CPOE, -0.13 EPA per dropback, -3.95 total passing EPA.

Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Minnesota Vikings vs Chicago Bears?

Andre Jones Jr. (Minnesota Vikings) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +4.19 total EPA on Receiving plays. across 3 snaps. Their top snap (+2.91 EPA): (15:00) (Shotgun) 9-J.McCarthy pass incomplete deep left to 33-A.Jones. PENALTY on CHI-26-N.Wright, Defensive Pass Interference, 42 yards, enforced at MIN 31 - No Play..

Was Minnesota Vikings vs Chicago Bears a close game?

Yes — the margin was 3 points. Minnesota Vikings won 27-24 in a game that came down to the wire.

Season records after this game

Minnesota Vikings

Now 1-0 W

Chicago Bears

Now 0-1 L

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