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Monday Night Football Betting Preview: Vikings vs. Bears

Week 1 wraps up in the NFC North as the Minnesota Vikings take on the Chicago Bears under the lights. The Vikings are turning to rookie J.J. McCarthy, while the Bears begin the Caleb Williams era at home. With two new quarterbacks and two strong defensive fronts, this game sets up better for bettors who like to fade fireworks.

⭐ Best Bet: Under 44.5 Total Points ⭐

Don’t expect a shootout. Young QBs, divisional intensity, and two coaching staffs that are happy to grind out drives point to a slower-paced, defensive battle. This game has the feel of 20–17 or 23–20 rather than anything resembling a track meet.

Player Props We’re Targeting

• J.J. McCarthy Over 15.5 Rushing Yards
  He may not take big downfield risks, but his legs give him an escape hatch. One or two scrambles should push him past this number.

• Justin Jefferson Over 76.5 Receiving Yards
  Jefferson is matchup-proof and will remain McCarthy’s go-to weapon. Even in a low total game, expect 8–10 targets.

• T.J. Hockenson Over 41.5 Receiving Yards
  Young QBs love checkdowns. Hockenson should see steady volume across the middle of the field.

• Aaron Jones Anytime TD (+145)
  Minnesota’s red-zone offense will lean on Jones’ ability to find paydirt.

• D’Andre Swift Over 14.5 Rushing Attempts (+106)
  The Bears should give Swift steady early-down work to keep the rookie QB in manageable situations.

• J.J. McCarthy to Throw an Interception (–115)
  First NFL start, primetime lights, and an aggressive Bears defense make this a likely outcome.