Caleb Williams and J.J. McCarthy ignite NFC North rivalry
Young quarterbacks are set to take center stage in the inaugural ‘Monday Night Football’ game of the 2024 NFL season. As the Chicago Bears host the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field, all eyes will be on Caleb Williams and J.J. McCarthy, two rising stars in the league.
Caleb Williams: The Bears’ New Hope
Caleb Williams, selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, embarks on an eagerly awaited sophomore season with the Bears. After a rookie campaign filled with ups and downs, Williams aims to establish himself as a reliable leader on the field. As one of five team captains appointed by first-year head coach Ben Johnson, Williams holds a significant role in shaping Chicago’s fortunes this season.
The Bears’ aspirations heavily rely on the burgeoning chemistry between Williams and Johnson. A strong start could set the tone for what they hope will be a successful season in the NFC North.
J.J. McCarthy: A New Beginning in Minnesota
On the opposing sideline, J.J. McCarthy is primed to make his highly-anticipated NFL debut for the Vikings. Drafted with the 10th overall pick, McCarthy missed all of last season due to a torn meniscus, making his return to the field even more significant. The Michigan product faces the challenge of filling the void left by Sam Darnold, who led the Vikings to a playoff appearance last year.
Both franchises hope this matchup marks the beginning of a long-standing rivalry, as Williams and McCarthy are set to face off numerous times in the coming years.
Game Details for Monday Night Football
As the Bears and Vikings prepare to clash, here’s everything fans need to know to catch the action:
Matchup
Bears vs. Vikings
Location
Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois
Date and Time
Monday, September 8
Kickoff: 8:15 p.m. ET
Viewing Options
Fans can watch the game live on ABC, ESPN, and ESPN2. The broadcast will feature Joe Buck on play-by-play, with Troy Aikman serving as the analyst. Lisa Salters and Laura Rutledge will cover the sidelines, providing insights throughout the game.
For those interested in an alternative viewing experience, the ManningCast returns for its fifth season on ESPN2, where Peyton and Eli Manning will host alongside a rotating panel of guests.
Streaming and Radio Options
Viewers can also stream the game live on Fubo, which offers a free trial for new subscribers. This platform provides access to ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, and more than 100 channels of live sports and television.
For radio listeners, SiriusXM will feature the national call on channel 88. Fans can also tune in to team-specific broadcasts on channel 225 for the Bears and channel 226 for the Vikings. New subscribers can enjoy SiriusXM for free for four months, gaining access to live broadcasts across multiple sports.
Upcoming Monday Night Football Schedule
Here’s a look at the lineup for the upcoming weeks of Monday Night Football:
September 15
Texans vs. Buccaneers at 7 p.m. ET
Raiders vs. Chargers at 10 p.m. ET
September 22
Ravens vs. Lions at 8:15 p.m. ET
September 29
Dolphins vs. Jets at 7:15 p.m. ET
Broncos vs. Bengals at 8:15 p.m. ET
As the Bears and Vikings prepare to go head-to-head, the excitement is palpable. The clash of Caleb Williams and J.J. McCarthy promises to be a thrilling start to the new NFL season.
