The Chicago Bears head Week 1 facing a major defensive shakeup, as three top defenders—Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon and T.J. Edwards—are inactive, testing Chicago’s secondary against Minnesota’s aerial attack. Roschon Johnson and rookie Shemar Turner also sit out, while Jordan Addison’s suspension clears a path for Justin Jefferson and the Vikings’ passing game. JJ McCarthy makes his first NFL start in a Minnesota-led contest at Soldier Field, with kickoff set for 7:15 p.m. CST.

Without that defensive identity, Chicago must lean on youth and scheme under new coordination. Minnesota’s offense, even with Addison out, presents a challenge as Jefferson remains the primary target and the Vikings rotate pieces to exploit the Bears’ coverage. This Week 1 showdown doubles as a test of Bears resilience and Vikings depth in a highly anticipated opener.