In just two months, J.J. McCarthy will start his comeback campaign, and Caleb Williams will be on a mission to be better in Year 2 than he was in his rookie season.
As both quarterbacks prepare to bounce back in 2025, bettors at BetMGM are already wagering on the young quarterbacks’ first real tests — when the Vikings take on the Bears in Week 1.
According to the sportsbook, in the very early Monday Night Football betting action, 78% of money is on Chicago -1.5. When it comes to the moneyline, 62% of the money is on Vikings -105.
Which team comes out on top in this thrilling NFC North matchup that helps kick off the season?
J.J. McCarthy warms up before a preseason game against the Raiders last season.
Let’s take a closer look at those odds at BetMGM as of July 1.
VIKINGS @ BEARS (8:15 p.m. ET, Monday, Sept. 8, ESPN)
Point spread: Bears -1.5 (Bears favored to win by 1.5 points or more, otherwise Vikings cover)
Moneyline: Bears -115 favorites to win (bet $10 to win $18.70 total); Vikings -105 underdogs to win (bet $10 to win $19.52 total)
Total Over/Under: 44.5 points scored by both teams combined
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McCarthy’s 2024 ended before it even started. He missed all of last year after a meniscus tear required him to have season-ending surgery.
So will McCarthy be able to lead his Vikings into Soldier Field and pull the upset over the Bears in Week 1?
At least for one expert, the jury is still out on how McCarthy’s season will unfold.
“We just don’t know what McCarthy looks like in NFL action,” FOX Sports NFL reporter Henry McKenna wrote. “He threw a few passes last preseason before his injury. And while we’re on that topic, it’s important to remember that quarterbacks are rarely 100 percent in their first season back from a knee injury.”
Caleb Williams tops Danny Parkins’ list of most exciting players to watch next season
When it comes to the quarterback on the other side of the ball, “First Things First” co-host Chris Broussard has higher expectations.
“Many quarterbacks selected with high draft capital have taken second-year leaps,” he said about Caleb Williams’ potential.
“I would be surprised if he did not play well,” Broussard said. “He showed flashes.”
Caleb finished 2024 with 3,541 passing yards, 20 touchdowns and was sacked for a league-high 68 times.
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