J.J. McCarthy flashed franchise upside in Week 1, guiding Minnesota to a comeback win while posting a 23.2 PPR score in many leagues. A rocky start gave way to precise late-game decisions and decisive rushing; the 11-yard run and 14-yard TD showcased rushing juice that can fuel fantasy ceilings even when passes don’t land early. With Addison and Darrisaw returning, the Vikings’ high-powered offense should unlock more passing volume, making McCarthy a viable Week 2 option and a long-term fantasy asset in red-hot, mobile-quarterback ecosystems.

Week 2 could cement the path for a top-10 fantasy QB in McCarthy thanks to elite rushing upside and a supporting cast that includes Jefferson, Addison, and Hockenson. His floor remains boosted by rushing yards, and the coaching staff appears willing to lean into his mobility. For fantasy managers, McCarthy is a must-watch: add if available, then ride the ceiling as the Vikings optimize pass protection and weapons around him.

Ben Johnson's Bears debut ends in a 27-24 loss at Soldier Field as Caleb Williams flashed but didn’t stay in rhythm. He threw for 210 yards, ran for 58 with a TD, but Chicago gave up 21 in the 4th and couldn’t seal it.

Jordan Addison sat; Williams faced a first NFL start; DJ Moore’s status adds risk to Bears’ pass-game, while Minnesota leaned on other options. Williams' rushing baseline keeps fantasy upside, but the offense needs better timing and protection.

Week 1’s MNF showdown between Chicago and Minnesota is a quarterback audition season. Caleb Williams makes his Bears debut under Ben Johnson with Loveland and Luther Burden III in the fold, while J.J. McCarthy begins his NFL arc for Minnesota after an injury-shortened rookie year. Addison is suspended, shifting early targets for the Vikings, and Chicago touts an upgraded interior line that could unlock the run game and quick-hitting passes. The model leans Bears +1.5 and Under 43.5, favoring Bears’ pass-game upside from Loveland and Burden versus Minnesota’s unsettled rookie quarterback situation.

Fantasy angles tilt toward Bears pass-catchers and Vikings safety valves. Chicago’s Loveland could see early snaps as a move-tight end option, while Burden Jr. may operate as a field-stretching wyb outside threat. On Minnesota, absence of Addison concentrates targets to T.J. Hockenson and the slot options, pressuring defenses to bracket the tight end and rely on secondary receivers.