Bears-Vikings Rivalry

An NFC North rivalry that began with the Vikings' first-ever game in 1961.

The Bears-Vikings rivalry is the NFL rivalry between the Chicago Bears and the Minnesota Vikings. It began in 1961, when the expansion Vikings joined the Western Conference and beat the Bears 37-13 in their very first game. As NFC North teams they meet at least twice every season.

Quick Facts

Location

Chicago, Minneapolis

First meeting

September 17
1961; Vikings 37
Bears 13

Latest meeting

November 16
2025; Bears 19
Vikings 17

Stadiums

Bears: Soldier Field; Vikings: U.S. Bank Stadium

Total meetings

129

Regular season

Vikings: 69–58–2

Postseason

Bears: 1–0

Largest victory

Bears: 34–3 (1984); 38–7 (1989), Vikings: 31–0 (1969)

Facts from the source article.

Background

Minnesota leads the overall series 69-58-2, and the one playoff meeting went to the Bears. Memorable games include Mac Percival's 47-yard field goal with three seconds left for a 26-24 Bears win at Wrigley Field in 1968, and a 35-7 Vikings win in 1982, the first meeting at the Metrodome, in which Tommy Kramer threw five touchdown passes.