Bears snubbed as NFL gift-wraps Vikings a ridiculous favor in latest schedule reveal

Jordan Campbell

Jacksonville Jaguars v Chicago Bears / Richard Heathcote/GettyImages

As the rollout of the 2025 NFL schedule continues, Tuesday saw the official announcement of the international games being played this season.

More scheduling announcements: the NFL’s full 2025 international slate. pic.twitter.com/YRYtpj51XP
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 13, 2025

There are no international games for the Bears in 2025. Of course, it was the Bears' game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London that many were hoping was a breakout game for Caleb Williams. In the Bears' 35-16 trouncing of the Jaguars in London last season, Williams completed 23 of 29 pass attempts for a total of 226 passing yards and 4 passing touchdowns. Williams also added 56 yards on the ground.

Ironically, that was the last feel-good moment of the 2024 calendar year for the Bears. Despite the impressive showing against the Jaguars in London, the Bears would lose their next 10 games. During that stretch, Shane Waldron was fired as the team's offensive coordinator, and Matt Eberflus was fired as the team's head coach.

There will be no repeat performance for Williams in London during the 2025 season. But what was revealed was an insane gift for the Minnesota Vikings, who will have consecutive international games during the 2025 season. While it would be easy to say that is a detriment for the Vikings, it's worth pointing out that the flight from Dublin to London is short. That isn't the only perk.

The Dublin/London swing could give the @Vikings an edge ...

1) They save trips to Pittsburgh and Cleveland, which could've been bad-weather games.

2) They'll be acclimated for the second game, far moreso than the Browns.

3) Instead of 9 "true" road games, they'll only have 7.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) May 13, 2025

Given the consecutive international games, it would be fair to assume that the Vikings' Bye Week will be after their October 5 game against the Cleveland Browns. Meaning, there is a chance that the Vikings will have extra rest for one of their games against the Bears. The added benefits for the Vikings come during a time when they will presumably be installing JJ McCarthy as their starting quarterback. After missing his rookie season with a knee injury, McCarthy is expected to be the Vikings' starting quarterback at the start of the season.

As a reminder, for the Bears, we know they have a Black Friday game against the Philadelphia Eagles and a December 20 game against the Green Bay Packers. The remainder of the Bears' schedule will be revealed on Wednesday.

Jordan Campbell

For nearly 15 years, Jordan has been a workhorse across the FanSided network - including being the inaugural site expert for Cubbies Crib, as well as a stop at Da Windy City as the site expert. In addition to returning to be a Co-Site Expert at Cubbies Crib, Jordan was previously the Site Expert at Bear Goggles On. In the years since, Jordan has joined FanSided's full-time team, serving as a staff writer for the MLB division. Jordan's work can be seen across the MLB division, including a consistent presence on our Cubs, Twins, Astros, and Tigers sites. Since 2010, Jordan has dedicated his craft to providing insightful commentary on all things Chicago sports, and he has enjoyed his venture into all things Major League Baseball.