How to Watch Minnesota Vikings vs Chicago Bears for Free (September 20, 2026)

The Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears renew an established NFC North rivalry in Week 2, with the latest verified meeting ending in a 27-24 Vikings victory in 2025. Minnesota holds the all-time regular-season edge, but early division games can change the tone of a season quickly, especially when both clubs are looking to establish momentum. This matchup is scheduled for Sunday, September 20, 2026, at 12:00 PM local time (1:00 PM ET / 10:00 AM PT) at Soldier Field in Chicago.

For viewers who have confirmed access to the free 7plus broadcast, the main obstacle is location. Seven's service is intended for viewers in Australia, so US fans outside that coverage area can run into a location restriction. Using Proton VPN's paid service and an Australian server can help you attempt to access the stream, although the platform may detect VPN traffic and its terms should always be followed.

How to watch Minnesota Vikings vs Chicago Bears on 7plus for free

A dependable setup matters when you are trying to watch a live NFL game from outside the intended broadcast market. Sports streaming VPNs prioritize server coverage and consistent performance, two factors that matter when connecting to Australia for 7plus. Here's an easy guide how to set it up:

1. Pick a reputable VPN provider: You need stable, reliable and fast servers in Australia. My top recommendation is Proton VPN, which is also 70% off at the moment.
2. Connect to Australia: Open Proton VPN and select an Australian server before opening the broadcaster's website or app.
3. Open 7plus: Visit the service in a browser or launch its supported app. If prompted, create or sign in to a free account.
4. Find the Vikings vs Bears broadcast: Use the live-sport area or the relevant Channel 7 feed to locate the game once it appears in the schedule.
5. Start the stream before the game: Keep the VPN connected while you load the video. If access is denied, use the troubleshooting steps below rather than repeatedly refreshing the page.

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How 7plus is bringing Minnesota Vikings vs Chicago Bears to viewers

7plus is Seven's free, advertising-supported streaming offering for Australian audiences. It provides live channels and selected sports programming through web and compatible device apps, giving viewers an alternative to a traditional TV setup.

The Vikings vs Bears coverage is tied to Australia-based access under the confirmed streaming arrangement. The final commentary team and language presentation have not been confirmed for this specific game, so viewers should expect the network's own feed rather than an NFL-specific US presentation.

Why you need a VPN to watch Minnesota Vikings vs Chicago Bears on 7plus

Seven restricts its streaming catalog by location because its broadcast rights apply within Australia. Its published access guidance says that content is available only from within Australia, which means a US viewer can be stopped before the live player loads.

An Australian VPN server changes the location signal used by the service, making it the practical option to try when you are away from the intended coverage area. That said, Seven also says it does not support VPN or location-spoofing use, so access is not guaranteed and viewers should comply with the provider's terms and applicable rules.

Choosing the right VPN to stream Minnesota Vikings vs Chicago Bears

A live football stream needs more than a server that simply connects. I would look for a paid provider that can maintain a secure, consistent connection to Australia, rather than relying on a limited free service that may be slow, crowded, or easily recognized by streaming platforms.

• Fast, reliable Australian servers: Choose a VPN with a substantial Australian network so you can switch servers if one is congested during Vikings vs Bears.
• Reliable geo-block bypass: The VPN should offer consistent access tools and modern protocols, while recognizing that no provider can guarantee access where a streaming platform actively detects VPN use.

Free VPNs commonly limit data, speed, or server choice, all of which are unhelpful during a live NFL broadcast. Proton VPN is my preferred option here, and readers comparing providers can use this guide to the best VPN services.

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What to do if 7plus remains blocked while using a VPN

Streaming platforms can associate a previous location with browser data, app data, or an IP address. If 7plus still refuses to load after you connect, work through these fixes one at a time and fully reload the service after each change.

• Switch VPN protocols: Move to another available protocol, then switch back if the first change does not improve the connection.
• Get a new IP address: Disconnect and choose another Australian server, preferably in a different city if one is available.
• Clear cache and cookies: Remove 7plus site data, then restart the browser before signing in again.
• Use a mobile browser instead of the app: A browser may behave differently from an app that has retained location information.
• Connect before opening 7plus : Close the browser or app, enable the VPN first, and only then reopen the platform.

Vikings vs Bears head-to-head facts

This is one of the NFC North's longstanding divisional matchups, and the historical series gives the game plenty of context even early in the season. The teams' first 2026 encounter also matters because they are scheduled to meet again later in the regular season, subject to the NFL's Week 18 scheduling process.

• All-time series: Vikings lead 69-59-2, dating back to Minnesota's first game as a franchise on 17 September 1961 — a 37-13 upset of the Bears.
• Postseason: One meeting only, and Chicago won it: 35-18 in the 1994 NFC Wild Card round.
• Recent form: The teams split 2025, Minnesota winning 27-24 at Soldier Field in Week 1 and Chicago taking the return 19-17 in November. Minnesota swept the series in 2024.
• Longest streaks: Vikings 8 straight (1972-76), Bears 6 (twice, most recently 2009-12).
• Biggest wins: Vikings 31-0 in 1969, Bears 38-7 in 1989 and 34-3 in 1984.

How to listen to Minnesota Vikings vs Chicago Bears on the radio

Minnesota listeners can follow the Vikings' flagship broadcast on KFAN 100.3 FM, part of the Vikings Audio Network. Chicago's reported flagship is ESPN Chicago, WMVP 1000 AM and 100.3 FM HD2, though station affiliation details should be reconfirmed before publication.

For a national fallback, SiriusXM offers NFL game coverage, including team audio feeds where available. NFL+ also includes live home, away, and national game audio in its $6.99-per-month tier, making it useful for out-of-market fans who would rather listen than stream video.

Wrapping up

Vikings vs Bears takes place on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at 12:00 PM local time (1:00 PM ET / 10:00 AM PT) from Soldier Field. The confirmed free 7plus option is designed for Australia, so viewers outside the country may need a VPN connection to attempt access. I recommend Proton VPN for its Australian coverage and steadier streaming performance, while keeping in mind that the platform can enforce its own location and VPN policies.