As the weeks roll on during training camp, the Chicago Bears are starting to pick up more and more momentum for their Week 1 showdown with the Minnesota Vikings.
A significant reason for this is the Vikings' latest update, which shows that the team is eager to ensure their starting quarterback, J.J. McCarthy, has everything he needs to succeed. NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported Wednesday morning that Minnesota is in the market to make a trade for a veteran wide receiver before the season begins.
With Jordan Addison suspended and multiple injuries, the #Vikings are seriously exploring veteran receivers in the trade market, per sources.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 20, 2025
All-Pro Justin Jefferson (hamstring) is on track for Week 1. His early-season running mate may not be on the roster. pic.twitter.com/9dRToHdgvY
There has been a string of bad luck that has hit the Vikings, with starting receiver Jordan Addison suspended for the first three games of the regular season, stemming from his 2024 arrest for DUI. Minnesota has also been hit hard with injuries at wide receiver, including Justin Jefferson (who should play in Week 1), Rondale Moore (out for the season), and Jalen Nailor (status is unknown).
Bears starting to have the major advantage over Minnesota in opening game
Chicago has dealt with its fair share of injuries, as multiple players in the secondary have been out. The good news for the Bears is that injured cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon are expected to be ready to go against the Vikings in Week 1.
This gives the Bears a major advantage in the secondary that is already deep with great depth. They will be able to take on Vikings receivers who are not typically starters and can cover them with ease.
It will put more pressure on the Bears' defensive line and linebackers, as the Vikings could turn to the run more. Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason are more than capable of carrying the offense if they need to. Luckily for the Bears, preseason heroes like Austin Booker and Noah Sewell have been the latest example of how deep the defense is at those positions as well.
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It's going to be a good game between the Bears and Vikings, but as fans inch closer to Week 1, Chicago is looking more and more like a team that will start 1-0 on the season.