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.

McCarthy's NFL debut sparked Minnesota's dramatic 27-24 comeback win in Chicago. After a slow start, the 22-year-old rookie rewired the offense in the second half, finishing 13 of 20 for 143 yards and accounting for three touchdowns in the fourth quarter—an unprecedented feat for a debuting QB. His leadership on the sideline and conviction during the rally energized the Vikings, who leaned on a stout defense and Jordan Mason’s late push on the ground.

Javon Hargrave recalled McCarthy telling the team, “he's got us,” at halftime, a moment echoed by Kevin O’Connell’s praise of the “unbelievable look” in his eyes. Jefferson connected on a late TD pass, and McCarthy capped the night with a 14-yard scoring run, proving Minnesota’s faith in him may be justified moving forward.

The Vikings are rolling out an interior pressure wave, signing Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave to anchor a revamped front and pairing them with Brian Flores’ wrinkle-heavy four-man rush. Chicago on Monday night provides the test as Caleb Williams faces a more aggressive, less-blitz-reliant look that seeks to soak up run support and still get home. A quartet of promising interior linemen—Jalen Redmond, Levi Drake Rodriguez, Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins and Elijah Williams—join the veteran duo, with Harrison Phillips’ Jets swap closing a familiar chapter. It’s a brand-new front that could reshape fantasy sack upside and snap counts.