Vikings Rally in Fourth Quarter to Edge Bears 27-24 in Season Opener
CHICAGO – The Minnesota Vikings secured a thrilling 27-24 victory over the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football, thanks to a spectacular fourth-quarter comeback led by rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy in his long-awaited NFL debut.
The game, played at Soldier Field on September 8, 2025, showcased an intense battle between two teams led by first-round quarterbacks drafted in 2024. Chicago Bears rookie Caleb Williams scored his first career rushing touchdown and threw a touchdown in his own debut under new head coach Ben Johnson, giving the Bears a competitive edge through the first three quarters.
However, despite a rough start, McCarthy ignited the Vikings’ offense in the final quarter. After struggling early on, the young quarterback threw two touchdown passes and rushed for another score in the fourth quarter alone, turning what looked like a potential nightmare into a triumphant comeback for Minnesota.
Key Moments and Stats
Going into halftime, the Vikings trailed and McCarthy appeared off rhythm, but coach Kevin O’Connell expressed his confidence in him, telling McCarthy directly, “You are going to bring us back to win this game.” That faith was vindicated as McCarthy showed poise and determination down the stretch, finishing with three fourth-quarter touchdowns.
McCarthy’s late-game heroics included touchdown connections with star wide receiver Justin Jefferson and running back Aaron Jones, as well as a crucial rushing touchdown of his own. This offensive explosion was pivotal after the Bears had led 17-6 following an interception return touchdown by Nahshon Wright in the third quarter.
In the fourth quarter alone, the Vikings outgained the Bears 169 yards to 63 and achieved nine first downs compared to Chicago’s seven, signaling a dominant final frame for Minnesota.
Performance Overview
| Team | Total Points | Quarter Scores (1-4) |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Vikings | 27 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 21 |
| Chicago Bears | 24 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 7 |
The game’s narrow margin emphasized the impact of McCarthy’s comeback performance and the opportunity the Vikings have with him at the helm after he missed the entire 2024 season recovering from a knee injury.
Coach and Player Reactions
Coach Kevin O’Connell praised his quarterback’s leadership and calm under pressure, stating, “I felt poise from the very beginning. The best thing was the belief I felt from the team, and ultimately that doesn’t get done without him leading in the second half.”
Chicago’s Caleb Williams displayed early flashes of his potential by contributing both on the ground and through the air, but the Bears couldn’t hold on to their lead, ultimately losing their home opener despite showing promise.
Looking Ahead
The Vikings start their season 1-0 and travel next for their second game, while the Bears, now 0-1, will aim to regroup under coach Ben Johnson as they prepare for a challenging schedule ahead.
This tightly contested Monday night game not only highlighted emerging young talent but also set the tone for what promises to be an exciting NFL season.