Monday night’s game between the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears was the second most-watched Week 1 “Monday Night Football” since the ESPN era began in 2006.
ESPN announced Wednesday that more than 22.1 million viewers watched Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy lead a comeback over the Bears in his first career start Monday, according to Nielsen. Viewership totals include all ESPN platforms, and ABC and NFL+.
The Vikings-Bears audience was up 8% from the 2024 season opener between the New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers.
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 08: J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates after defeating the Chicago Bears 27-24 at Soldier Field on September 08, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
‘Monday Night Football’ Ratings Concludes Historic Viewership Week 1
The Monday night game concluded a historic NFL week of television ratings.
The NFL season kicked off with a massive audience as Thursday night’s opener between the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles drew an average of 31.9 million viewers, peaking at a record-setting 34.3 million for an NFL Kickoff game. The momentum carried into Friday night, when fans around the world tuned in on YouTube to watch the Kansas City Chiefs face the Los Angeles Chargers in São Paulo, Brazil, attracting a global average of 17.3 million viewers.
Sunday continued the streak of historic viewership numbers. CBS reported that the Green Bay Packers–Detroit Lions matchup became its most-watched Week 1 CBS game since 1998, pulling in 23.9 million viewers. Fox also saw some of its strongest numbers in recent years. Later that night, the Buffalo Bill’s dramatic 41-40 comeback over the Baltimore Ravens added another milestone, delivering the most-watched Sunday night opener in three years. The game averaged 24.7 million viewers and peaked early, drawing as many as 28.2 million in the first half.
J.J. McCarthy Stuns in 4th Quarter at Soldier Field
McCarthy didn’t have a perfect NFL debut, but his fourth quarter play makes it one the great starts to a career.
In just his second year in the league, the young quarterback managed to steady himself, pushing through the emotions of playing in his hometown while also enduring the sting of his first career pick-six. McCarthy grew up in La Grange Park, roughly 15 miles from Soldier Field.
The Vikings mounted a stunning comeback, storming back with 21 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to seize a 27-24 victory.
In the fourth quarter, McCarthy completed six of eight passes for 87 yards, connecting on touchdown throws of 13 yards to Justin Jefferson and 27 yards to Aaron Jones Sr., before capping the surge with a 14-yard scoring run that put his team ahead 27-17 with 2:53 left on the clock.
McCarthy finished the night having completed 13 of 20 passes for 143 yards, throwing a pair of touchdowns while also adding two carries for 25 yards on the ground. He finished with a 98.5 passer rating.
The Vikings host the Atlanta Falcons on “Sunday Night Football” next week.
Back to the Drawing Board at Halas Hall
It was a familiar feeling for fans in Chicago. The Bears had the lead most of the game but it all fell apart at the end.
The final football decision was even a debacle after kicker Cairo Santos gave the Vikings a chance to return a kick with 2:02 remaining instead of kicking it through the end zone. The mistake cost the Vikings a chance to utilize the two-minute warning, and potentially get a three and out and the ball back. Bears head coach Ben Johnson said he instructed Santos to send the ball through the back of the end zone.
Starting quarterback in his second year in Chicago, Caleb Williams’ night was a roller coaster of promise and frustration. He flashed his trademark playmaking ability, keeping drives alive with quick decisions and timely throws, finishing the night with 245 yards passing and a pair of touchdowns. But Williams also struggled with consistency, misfiring on key throws and stalling several drives, leaving points on the field.
The Bears travel to Detroit to face the Lions next Sunday.
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