Vikings open the season with a win but face notable injuries. Blake Cashman will miss time with a hamstring, Ty Chandler is banged up but played through the knee issue, and Andrew Van Ginkel and Jeff Okudah are in concussion protocol. Harrison Smith returned but described his conditioning as the focal point of a quick bounce back, with team friends noting the plan remains fluid. Elijah Williams and Zavier Scott are stepping back into practice as Minnesota eyes a quiet home opener against Atlanta.

Offensively, J.J. McCarthy earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week after a 27-24 comeback, underscoring the unit’s potential as the Falcons visit Minnesota in primetime. The schedule stays challenging with a short week and a travel slate before a TNF showdown with the Chargers.

Caleb Williams caps Chicago's opener with a 9-yard TD, going 9-for-9 on the opening drive as the Bears lean into Williams’ off-script mobility and space-opening concepts. Rome Odunze adds a highlight grab, while Minnesota’s defense clings to a mid‑quarter stand and the Vikings nearly burst with run-game pressure that never fully materializes. With Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon out and Darrisaw sidelined, pass defense tilts toward Chicago’s advantage and Minnesota must chase balance to stay in it.

Monday Night Football opens Week 1 with Minnesota traveling to Chicago in a marquee NFC showdown. Harrison Smith is out for Minnesota, while Justin Jefferson is listed healthy despite preseason hamstring concerns. Chicago will be without T.J. Edwards and two starting corners, Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon. Minnesota sits as a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 43.5. The SportsLine staple, RJ White, leans under and points to a pivotal X-factor that could tilt the spread.

From a fantasy lens, Jefferson’s health looms large as McCarthy makes his MNF debut for Minnesota. Chicago counters with Swift back in the backfield and Caleb Williams-adjacent hype, which could juice the Bears’ offense. With Smith out, the Vikings’ secondary loses a veteran presence, elevating opportunities for Chicago’s pass game, while Minnesota looks to pace the game and capitalize on big plays from Jefferson and McCarthy connections.