Bears just got a massive win against division rival weeks before the season

The Chicago Bears' game planning against the Minnesota Vikings for their Week 1 regular season matchup is going to look different.

ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison will be suspended for the first three games of the 2025 regular season for violating the league's substance abuse policy. That means that Addison will not be able to play that first game of the year against Chicago.

What the Addison news means for the Bears entering the 2025 season

Chicago has been pretty good at covering against Addison in the four games he has played against them. Addison has had 24 receptions for 292 yards and two touchdowns in four games played. Outside of one game, he had 162 receiving yards. Addison has not had more than 63 yards in a game against Chicago.

The Bears' defense will get some relief in the opening game against the Vikings. Minnesota's top pass catcher is Justin Jefferson and outside of tight end T.J. Hockenson, there aren't many targets to worry about for the Bears' secondary.

If Jaylon Johnson is healthy enough for the game; his job will be to cover Jefferson. Johnson has been considered one of the top 10 cornerbacks in the NFL, so he must be available for the game and cover Jefferson.

The secondary is the strength of the Bears' defense and one of the team's most important areas of the roster. Not having to worry about covering Addison is the biggest win the team might receive before the year.

It'll be up to Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen to come up with play calls that will throw off Vikings' new quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Having exotic blitzes and disguising coverages will make life tougher for Minnesota's young signal caller.

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Chicago got a gift with the Addison news. Hopefully, they won't squander it when the time comes in Week 1 to win.