In 1961, the Minnesota Vikings were a new pro-football team, an expansion franchise in the National Football League (NFL). It was facing an existing team of Chicago Bears in their very first match-up, a stunning 37 – 13 upset over the Bears in Minnesota. This first game was the start of yet another rivalry within the divide, which has continued to be very heated.
Series History & Trends
In 127 games, the Vikings are 68-58-2 against the Bears in the all-time record, and 1-0 in playoff record, with the Vikings winning in the 1995 Wild Card game. In the last five years, Minnesota has dominated the rivalry, with an 8-2 record from 2020 to 2025, with one loss to the Bears in 2023, ending the streak.
Performance & Momentum for 2024/2025
The last regular-season matchup between the two teams was on December 16, 2024, when the Vikings toppled Chicago by a 30 – 12 score, while not giving the Bears a single point in the first half. One of the main factors in the blowout was the mind-boggling Minnesota rushing defense and turning the ball over. This game was the seventh game in a row of Chicago lost against the Vikings, which emphasized the increasing gap between the clubs.
Trends such as these are important to fans and bettors. According to Wincomparator’s expert comparisons, Minnesota has gone into all these matchups as the favored team not only based on form but on such key measures as yardage defense, turnover ratio, and offensive balance. Such one-on-one encounters are likely to be of continued interest in betting on the 2025 season yet especially as the Vikings are gaining momentum.
Coaching and Front Office Comparisons
Rebuilding journeys for both teams started in 2022, although they took very different directions philosophically. The Minnesota case is an example of an offensive-based coach being hired to go along with a front office that mostly includes draft-and-develop type management. Chicago, on the other hand, turned to analytical leadership and defensive coaching. Results look to have favoured the Vikings: Minnesota has a 28 – 16 record since 2022, whereas the Bears registered a 14 – 30 record, a factor contributing to pressure on GM Ryan Poles and the coaching crew.
Star Players & Storylines
The Bears have occasionally failed to match up against Justin Jefferson, and his pairing with running back Aaron Jones was crucial to getting results, as illustrated in the most recent game. On the Bears’ part, a young QB, Caleb Williams, has come under intense criticism while being subject to offensive line issues and coaching concerns.
Future Matchups What is at Stake?
With games planned on September 8, 2025, at Soldier Field and another in Minnesota, looking to 2025, the rivalry is bound to be dramatic. The fact that the Vikings have won their last two games and have been dominating in general indicates that they are still the favorites in the division. Yet the roster shift taking place in Chicago, with new personnel in coaching, as well as offensively, could still bring some surprises.
Verdict
The Vikings-Bears rivalry is an ongoing history of the NFC North. Minnesota has decisively gotten the better of its opponents in recent times through superior defensive capabilities, quarterback play, and organizational solidity. However, the front office upheaval in Chicago and their acquisition of new firepower on offense indicate that they still have not done their homework against the Vikings, and the battles between the two teams will be the sensation of the NFL.
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