The Bears opened strong under new head coach Ben Johnson, but a 17–6 lead vanished in a 27–24 loss to the Vikings at Soldier Field. Caleb Williams started 10-for-10 and ran in a 9-yard score, while a Nahshon Wright pick-six had Chicago in control. Penalties and execution issues swung the game late, reviving old frustrations for a team trying to turn the page.