J.J. McCarthy’s NFL debut erupted in the fourth quarter, as Minnesota’s rookie delivered three TDs to stun Chicago 27-24. A rough start gave way to a late-during-the-clock comeback, capped by a 14-yard rushing score with under three minutes left. McCarthy finished 13-for-20 for 143 yards with two passing TDs, one wiped out by a 74-yard Nahshon Wright pick-six. The win solidifies his ‘gamer’ reputation and injects immediate fantasy intrigue around Kirk Cousins-era upgrade potential in Minnesota.

Key pass-catches from Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen, plus Myles Price’s field-position prowess and a productive late drive, helped flip the script. Caleb Williams sparked Chicago’s late push, but the Vikings’ surge answered, aided by McCarthy’s improved command as the game wore on and Chicago’s defense pressure waned. With Darrisaw out, the line weathered the storm, setting up a hopeful start to Minnesota’s season for fantasy managers.

Minnesota visits Chicago in Week 1 with a fantasy-friendly setup. Adam Thielen returns to the fold alongside Justin Jefferson, giving the Vikings a sturdy veteran option on the outside and a high-ceiling WR duo. Blake Cashman and Jonathan Greenard rejoin the lineup, boosting run fits and edge pressure early in the season. Caleb Williams headlines the Bears’ opening touch, while J.J. McCarthy starts with the kind of rookie pace that invites risk and upside in fantasy.

Brian Flores’ defense clamps down late in the quarter as the Vikings push back, setting a tense NFC North opener. The Bears’ offense looks smoother with the Williams-led drive, but Minnesota’s defensive plan — and the offense’s ability to spread targets — will influence Week 1 rostering and in-season moves as both teams chase an early-season claim on the division.

The Vikings boast a hyper-deep defensive group, making the chase for a single “most important” player more about roles than a lone star. Byron Murphy Jr. emerges as the top corner in a thin rotation, while a five-man nucleus—Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, Josh Metellus, Blake Cashman and Harrison Smith—drives the unit’s versatility and playmaking. Interior anchors Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen, plus speed from Ivan Pace Jr., protect the middle and rush edges. On offense, Jefferson anchors the attack and J.J. McCarthy’s start-forward arc will shape their ceiling this season. A Week 1 shootout backdrop against Philadelphia and Dallas adds fantasy wrinkles for depth and weekly volatility.

Bears drop their season opener against Minnesota with a spotlight on one-on-one matchups that could swing the game. Greenard’s edge rush sets the tempo for Chicago’s blockers, especially Braxton Jones, whose left tackle spot has been a worry. Minnesota leans into blitz-heavy concepts, testing Jones and the Bears’ protection with stress on short-to-mid throws.

Roschon Johnson’s health and Kyle Monangai’s pass protection will be under the microscope as Chicago tries to slow a disruptive Minnesota defense that thrives on isolated wins. Justin Jefferson is the focal point of Chicago’s plan, while Jaylon Johnson shoulders shadow duties, weather permitting.

Chicago Bears open 2025 at home on Monday Night Football against Minnesota, a battle of the NFC North with major fantasy implications. Minnesota touts Justin Jefferson as the primary weapon, while their edge duo of Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel looks to pressure a Bears offense that features Dayo Odeyingbo and Montez Sweat on the defensive side. Chicago’s left tackle ambiguity adds risk for their quarterback and a test for new offense coordinator Ben Johnson’s unit. Austin Booker will miss Week 1, heightening the edge rush challenge.

Expect Jefferson to soak targets, with the Vikings leaning on their defense to create plays off the rush. Sweat's sack upside is real, while Greenard and Van Ginkel can generate pressure in waves. Odeyingbo’s development is a wild-card factor for Chicago, and the Bears will need adjustments up front to stay competitive. Overall, it’s a high-leverage opener where edge battles and quarterback protection will largely decide fantasy outputs and betting angles.