An NFC North rivalry game between two young quarterbacks will close out Week 1 during a Monday Night Football matchup between the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears. After suffering a season-ending injury during last year’s preseason, Minnesota’s 10th overall draft pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, J.J. McCarthy, is set to make his NFL debut in a prime-time road game at Soldier Field.
Chicago will hope to develop 2024 No. 1 overall draft pick Caleb Williams, as the Bears try to make him their franchise quarterback. Former Detroit OC Ben Johnson was hired to help with this development, while also improving the Bears’ 28th-ranked offense in points per game (18.2) last season.
I’ve got three Monday Night Football player props and picks to tail before the Vikings and Bears kickoff. Follow me on X at Matt_MacKay_ for more betting analysis and free picks available every week of the 2025 NFL season.
Get instant alerts when a line reaches your target via the BettingPros App >>
An NFC North rivalry game between two young quarterbacks will close out Week 1 during a Monday Night Football matchup between the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears. After suffering a season-ending injury during last year’s preseason, Minnesota’s 10th overall draft pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, J.J. McCarthy, is set to make his NFL debut in a prime-time road game at Soldier Field.
Chicago will hope to develop 2024 No. 1 overall draft pick Caleb Williams, as the Bears try to make him their franchise quarterback. Former Detroit OC Ben Johnson was hired to help with this development, while also improving the Bears’ 28th-ranked offense in points per game (18.2) last season.
I’ve got three Monday Night Football player props and picks to tail before the Vikings and Bears kickoff. Follow me on X at Matt_MacKay_ for more betting analysis and free picks available every week of the 2025 NFL season.
Get instant alerts when a line reaches your target via the BettingPros App >>
NFL Week 1: Monday Night Football Player Prop Picks
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
J.J. McCarthy O 31.5 Pass Attempts (-114)
Minnesota head coach Kevin O’Connell finally has J.J. McCarthy available to execute his offense. O’Connell’s scheme took Sam Darnold to new heights, reviving his career in 2024 with a ton of impressive throws and production through the air.
McCarthy wasn’t tasked with a big pass volume during his National Championship win with Michigan. However, O’Connell and the Vikings’ front office were elated to draft McCarthy.
The Vikings’ quarterback is going to get a ton of opportunity to showcase his talent against one of the NFL’s worst pass defenses. Chicago was tied for 31st in net yards gained per pass attempt at 6.8, joining Carolina and Jacksonville at the bottom of the league.
Darnold attempted at least 32 pass attempts in nine of 17 regular season games in 2024. He didn’t go over this number until mid-way through the season but McCarthy has had a ton of time and reps to study for a favorable matchup against the Bears’ secondary.
The Vikings’ backfield consists of Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason. They just brought back Adam Thielen at wideout and have T.J. Hockenson healthy as one of the NFL’s premier tight ends.
Let’s bet one unit on J.J. McCarthy to go over 31.5 pass attempts on the road against Chicago’s porous defense. He’s playing behind an improved offensive line unit with a great play-caller and personnel.
Caleb Williams Interception – Yes (-115)
Caleb Williams will look to get off to a better start in 2025 following a 5-12 record last season. Ben Johnson will attempt to set him up for success but Vikings DC Brian Flores is going to dial up pressure and force Williams into mistakes.
In 2024, Williams threw just six interceptions in 17 starts. He threw four in the first three games of his NFL career, before settling into a rhythm.
Minnesota didn’t intercept Williams during his rookie campaign in either start. Whether it’s Andrew Van Ginkel off the edge or Harrison Smith in the secondary, the Bears’ sub-par offensive line is going to struggle to give Williams time in the pocket.
Improvising can only get a quarterback so far in the NFL. Oddsmakers have set Williams’ interception prop at a pick’em. Let’s back the Vikings’ top-10 defense to force Chicago’s QB1 into a few miscues, resulting in his first career interception against Minnesota.
Adam Thielen 30+ Receiving Yards (-140)
Adam Thielen is now a veteran wideout, returning for his second stint with the Vikings. He left for Carolina a couple of years ago but now, he’s back in the fold with star wideout Justin Jefferson.
Thielen will lend his experience and route-running savvy to help create soft targets for McCarthy. Prior to last year’s injury, Thielen racked up 48 receptions and 615 receiving yards in 10 games with the Panthers’ Bryce Young.
In 2024, Thielen logged at least 30 receiving yards in nine of ten starts, including his season debut. Expect the veteran wideout to easily crush this alternate line of 30 or more receiving yards on the road against a familiar opponent.
Matthew MacKay is a featured writer for BettingPros and FantasyPros. For more from Matthew, check out hisarchive and follow him @Matt_MacKay_.
