J.J. McCarthy makes his NFL debut for Minnesota against Caleb Williams and the Bears in a season opener that features Chicago’s revamped line anchored by Joe Thuney at left guard. DJ Moore stands as Chicago’s clear offensive engine, while Minnesota’s defense has been the league’s takeaway machine. The betting line Vikings -1.5 and 43.5 suggests a tight, grind-it-out start with limited exploding fantasy outcomes. For fantasy, Moore is a top Bears target; McCarthy and Williams provide ceiling with rushing upside, but Week 1 may favor a cautious approach.

Williams behind an altered O-line must navigate a new chemistry quickly; McCarthy’s inclusion adds intrigue for Vikings backers and DFS players, especially if Chicago leans into Williams’ athleticism. Minnesota’s ball-hawking secondary and front that added Hargrave/Allen-style pressure could skew defensive streaming options. In short, expect a defensively colored opener with favorable DJ Moore volume and upside for McCarthy/Williams depending on how fast the blockers click.

Chicago Bears trim to 53 with five gut checks: Brittain Brown, Tre Flowers, Jordan McFadden, Zacch Pickens, Tyler Scott all hear their names called. Roschon Johnson also missed time due to injury, spotlighting a backfield still in flux. The moves underscore depth needs at CB, OL and D-line, while giving more responsibility to the rookies and veterans who made the cut. Chicago’s 53 signals week-to-week fantasy pivots as health, position battles, and special-teams roles shape Week 1 touchups.

Brown’s preseason production couldn’t overcome depth in the backfield; Flowers yielded to depth and injuries at corner; McFadden and Pickens both showed value but lacked a clear path to a full-time role; Scott failed to separate after multiple chances. Fantasy leagues watching Bears practice squad moves will note RBs and WRs with a chance to step in if injuries hit early.

From a fantasy lens, the Bears’ roster churn emphasizes upside bets on injury-free players who can step in quickly. Expect midseason shifts as Johnson returns, Brown latches on elsewhere, and WRs/CBs who flashed in August push for meaningful snap share when games matter most.

Dallas cut to 53 and now faces waivers with 16 spots on the practice squad. Three stash targets stand out: Damien Martinez, C.J. Okoye and Zacch Pickens. Martinez is a local Lewisville product who flashed in the preseason for Seattle and could be kept as a development piece behind the Cowboys’ backs. Okoye, a 6'6", 370-pound former Raven, could be grabbed on waivers or signed to the practice squad, leveraging the International Pathway Program exemption to carry a 17th player. Pickens, a Bears 2023 third-rounder, adds interior DT upside if he lands in Dallas' rotation.

These moves would shape depth for a defense that needs rotational DTs and a young backfield option behind Pollard. Martinez’s power and local ties give him favorable odds to slip to the practice squad, Okoye’s size makes him a waiver target, and Pickens carries the potential to contribute sooner in a system that values disruptive interior play. Dallas could also wait for the noon deadline and then poach from other teams for the practice squad.

Chicago Bears 53-man cuts trimmed two of Poles' Day-2 investments, Zacch Pickens and Tyler Scott, while 2024 third-rounder Kiran Amegadjie earned a spot thanks to rare inside/outside OL versatility. Amegadjie’s shift from camp standout to reliable depth option signals a path to a swing guard role, boosting roster flexibility. Braxton Jones reclaimed the left tackle job, with Ozzy Trapilo pivoting to left guard duties or depth on the line. Theo Benedet emerged as a summer surprise, adding interior versatility. The starting LT situation remains fluid as the team continues evaluations into Week 1.

The Bears leaned into depth and flexibility on the line, prioritizing players who can plug multiple gaps and adapt to scheme needs. While Pickens and Scott move on, Amegadjie’s retention suggests a potential rooks‑and‑depth play for fantasy managers who monitor OL injuries or internal shifts. Watch Benedet’s development and Jones’ health/effect on QB time, as these pieces shape the fantasy relevance of Chicago’s blockers and the team’s overall offensive ceiling.