Bears snubbed as NFL gift-wraps Vikings a ridiculous favor in latest schedule reveal

As the rollout of the 2025 NFL schedule continues, Tuesday saw the official announcement of the international games being played this season.

There are no international games for the Bears in 2025. Of course, it was the Bears' game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London that many were hoping was a breakout game for Caleb Williams. In the Bears' 35-16 trouncing of the Jaguars in London last season, Williams completed 23 of 29 pass attempts for a total of 226 passing yards and 4 passing touchdowns. Williams also added 56 yards on the ground.

Ironically, that was the last feel-good moment of the 2024 calendar year for the Bears. Despite the impressive showing against the Jaguars in London, the Bears would lose their next 10 games. During that stretch, Shane Waldron was fired as the team's offensive coordinator, and Matt Eberflus was fired as the team's head coach.

There will be no repeat performance for Williams in London during the 2025 season. But what was revealed was an insane gift for the Minnesota Vikings, who will have consecutive international games during the 2025 season. While it would be easy to say that is a detriment for the Vikings, it's worth pointing out that the flight from Dublin to London is short. That isn't the only perk.

Given the consecutive international games, it would be fair to assume that the Vikings' Bye Week will be after their October 5 game against the Cleveland Browns. Meaning, there is a chance that the Vikings will have extra rest for one of their games against the Bears. The added benefits for the Vikings come during a time when they will presumably be installing JJ McCarthy as their starting quarterback. After missing his rookie season with a knee injury, McCarthy is expected to be the Vikings' starting quarterback at the start of the season.

As a reminder, for the Bears, we know they have a Black Friday game against the Philadelphia Eagles and a December 20 game against the Green Bay Packers. The remainder of the Bears' schedule will be revealed on Wednesday.