Brian Flores flipped the Bears game plan in Chicago, dialing up pressure that helped Minnesota rally from a 17-6 hole. Caleb Williams started hot, but the Vikings’ defense and late-run game adjustments turned the tide for a 27-24 win. J.J. McCarthy avoided mistakes late, while Jordan Mason’s second-half bursts and Aaron Jones’ TD connection with McCarthy supplied the offense Minnesota needed. Myles Price sparked special-teams relevance, and Nailor’s DPI moment gave Minnesota the short-field edge down the stretch.

The win showcased Flores’ blitz-heavy second-half blueprint, Mason’s improved off-tackle rhythm, and Price’s punt-return spark, all while Wright’s punting remained a concern with field-position swings. Vikings bettors and fantasy managers will watch how this balance translates into Week 2 with Mason and Jefferson driving the aerial and ground facets.

J.J. McCarthy surged in Week 1, delivering three fourth-quarter TDs to spark Minnesota’s comeback against Chicago. Two came via passes (to Jefferson and Nailor) and one on a late keeper as he finished with 143 passing yards and 25 rushing yards. He became the first rookie to three TDs in the fourth in his NFL debut, lifting confidence for fantasy managers despite a rocky start. With Cousins gone and Darnold mentoring, the rookie’s late-game rhythm could reshape Viking QB chaos into weekly streaming upside.

Jefferson repurposed as a focal connection, Nailor chipped in, and McCarthy’s ground game adds rushing-upside that boosts his fantasy floor. Darnold’s presence adds veteran stability behind the scenes, while Bears’ defense remains volatile. Week 2 will test whether the late burst was a true trend or a one-off, but the Vikings’ rookie is now squarely on the fantasy radar.

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.