Caleb Williams and J.J. McCarthy headline Week 1, with Williams facing Minnesota’s solid defense and McCarthy stepping into Minnesota’s high‑percentage system. D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze are central to Chicago’s aerial attack, while Aaron Jones Sr. and D’Andre Swift form a backfield rotation for Minnesota—that duo should still yield steady receiving work. T.J. Hockenson anchors the tight end spot, and Luther Burden III and Adam Thielen offer appealing upside for deeper rosters. The Who Should I Start tool adds a brisk, four‑player comparison to help set Week 1 lineups.

In short, Williams is a viable Week 1 low‑end QB2 play with long‑term upside; McCarthy sticks as a solid Superflex option; Moore, Hockenson, and Thielen are anchor plays, with Odunze and Mason offering high‑ceiling, lower‑floor upside in this Bears‑heavy Week 1 slate. Jones Sr. and Swift bring backfield value, while Burden and Mason provide late‑round boom potential in PPR leagues.

Week 1 closes with an NFC North showdown that revolves around J.J. McCarthy’s NFL debut for Minnesota, aided by a high-end cast around him. Jefferson remains a per-game cornerstone, Hockenson is a top-tier target at tight end, and Thielen’s return adds veteran presence. Minnesota’s run game features Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason, giving McCarthy ample options as he logs his first real action since 2024. Fantasy outlook places him as a mid-range starter in super-flex, with cautious approach in standard formats.

Chicago counters with a rookie-heavy skill set. Loveland’s draft status as a top tight end, Burden’s early-round pedigree, and Monangai’s depth-chart appeal frame a volatile Week 1 picture behind Moore and Odunze. Loveland may not anchor Week 1 lineups, while Burden and Monangai keep dynasty and late-season angles alive as roles clarify under the Bears’ new system.

Week 1 fantasy snapshot centers on Kaleb Johnson, Tyler Warren, Ashton Jeanty, Woody Marks, Kyle Williams, Ollie Gordon II, Elic Ayomanor, D'Onte Thornton, Luther Burden III and Kyle Monangai. Johnson is a wait‑and‑see rookie behind Warren; Warren is the Week 1 focal point. Jeanty and Marks are depth options to monitor. Williams faces injury notes and uncertain role. Gordon II is the primary Dolphins backup; Ayomanor sits as Titans No. 3 behind Ridley and Lockett. Thornton offers sleeper upside for Raiders; Burden and Monangai provide limited Week 1 usage with Bears.

Jefferson's Week 1 status is pivotal after a preseason hamstring kept him out in August. Minnesota expects him to play Monday against Chicago, making him the focal point of the Vikings' aerial attack.

If Jefferson is limited or inactive, Jalen Nailor and Adam Thielen become the Week 1 options for Minnesota, while Chicago could lean on Luther Burden III and, in deeper leagues, Olamide Zaccheaus. Fantasy managers should monitor reports and be ready to pivot as the game plan unfolds.