Two NFL coaches, a rookie quarterback and a veteran WR corps set the Week 1 stage in Bears-Vikings, where schematics may trump name value. Johnson’s quarterback-friendly plan collides with Flores’ blitz-heavy attack, testing McCarthy’s read-and-respond timing from the start. Braxton Jones’ health and the protection plan against pressure loom large, while Thielen’s return and Addison’s absence shape the WR landscape and target distribution.

Fantasy leverage centers on how quickly Minnesota can push rhythm and how Chicago defends the edge. If McCarthy settles into a clean pocket and Flores aligns pressure efficiently, Vikings pass volume could surge. If Jones struggles early, Bears draftees and run game may bear more weight, elevating short-area targets and volume across both squads late in the opener.

Week 1 kicks off with the CHGO Bears crew highlighting leadership on the roster as five season-long captains are announced: Caleb Williams, Joe Tuni, Kevin Bard, Grady Jarrett, and Cairo Santos. Braxton Jones is officially named the starter at left tackle, while Jaylen Johnson’s health remains a concern six days out. The show also notes a significant cultural shift under Ben Johnson’s leadership, and calls out Monte Sweat as the team’s highest-paid player who isn’t a captain, while DJ Moore looms as a top fantasy weapon for the offense. The Vikings loom in Week 1, with run game and pass protection as focal points as the unit grows chemistry in a shortened week.

The Bears’ 53-man roster is locked in, with three quarterbacks, ten offensive linemen, and a bunch of intriguing storylines that will matter for fantasy. Jade Walker made a late preseason impression and earned a spot that signals Bears’ willingness to reward standout camp performers and preserve flexibility on offense. DeAndre Swift, Roshan Johnson, and Kyle Manungai form a running-back trio (Homer on IR), anchoring a backfield that could soak up early-season carries. The offensive line is the week-one focal point: Braxton Jones is in the left-tackle mix, with Azie Trabillo, Theo Benedict, and Karan Amagi all providing multi-position depth and potential upgrades. Jade Walker’s breakout caps a receivers room that features youth and speed behind DJ Moore, while Caleb Williams remains the long-term developmental priority behind Case Keenum and a veteran QB room. Zay Frasier’s year-long absence shapes the depth chart, and the team’s openness to trades and waiver adds keeps the roster fluid through Week 1. For fantasy managers, the key takeaways are: Swift’s early workload, Walker’s rise as a late-round sleeper, and the Bears’ offensive-line improvements that could unlock the run game and protect Caleb Williams’ development in the future.

Chicago Bears preseason progress centers on Caleb Williams’ growing command, Braxton Jones stabilizing left tackle, and Luke Newman flashing as a versatile addition who can swing between tackle and guard. Ben Johnson’s mid-preseason adjustments produced a late surge that could carry into Week 1 against the Vikings, with structure and accountability driving the offense forward. The upcoming cuts and a fast-approaching bye-week will test roster depth and immediate fantasy upside.

Defensive gaps linger as Kyler Gordon and Jaylen Johnson recover, while Demarcus Walker adds flash but interior line play remains a work in progress. Williams’ development supports a longer-term fantasy outlook, while the early health of the O-line and 53-man decisions will shape Week 1 value for Bears skill players and potential stack opportunities against Minnesota.