J.J. McCarthy’s NFL debut erupts in the second half, becoming the first player to contribute to three touchdowns in the fourth quarter of his debut. He helps lead a 27-24 comeback win, starting the burst with a 13-yard TD to Justin Jefferson, then a 27-yard TD to Aaron Jones, and finally a 14-yard read-option TD. Vikings falter after a slow first half and a third-quarter pick-six, while McCarthy silences doubters with guided precision and timely improvisation.

The performance jolts the Bears’ offense and injects instant optimism into fantasy outlooks around McCarthy, Jefferson, and Jones. Reichard’s long halftime kick underscored the night’s volatility, while the game script teased a high-variance future for Chicago’s signal-caller and his array of weapons as they navigate bye-week adjustments and defensive adjustments from opponents.

Minnesota staged a comeback win over Chicago 27-24 as J.J. McCarthy clicked late, lifting a sleepy offense with three fourth‑quarter TDs. The Vikings’ defense held down Caleb Williams and the Bears until McCarthy found rhythm, while Jordan Mason’s grind in the backfield and Will Reichard’s leg helped tilt field position and the scoreboard. Justin Jefferson stayed a fantasy beacon, and Chicago’s penalties and a late pick‑six by Nahshon Wright kept the game tight.

Key fantasy takeaways: McCarthy’s late surge boosts his immediate streamer appeal, Jefferson remains league‑winning, and Mason’s second‑half burst signals a growing Minnesota rushing floor. Bears’ Caleb Williams flashed upside but inconsistent tempo and costly penalties limited scoring opportunities. Look ahead to Vikings@Falcons with McCarthy gaining comfort and Chicago dialing in Williams under pressure.

Week 1 kicks a strong kickers slate with Brandon Aubrey perched at the top, followed by a balanced tier of Chris Boswell, Cameron Dicker, and Jake Bates. Streaming options spotlight Ka'imi Fairbairn, Wil Lutz, and Daniel Carlson, while cautious rosters fade Harrison Butker, Jake Moody, and Tyler Loop. The guide leans into matchup-driven latitude, highlighting red-zone goals, FG volume, and waiver targets to land the best points from Week 1.

Fantasy managers should prioritize kickers in offenses likely to stall in the red zone, favoring high-volume legs with long-range potential. This Week 1 cheat sheet distills streamers, fades, and tiered rankings so rosters can pivot quickly as games unfold.

Minnesota opened the 2025 slate with a crisp preseason win over Houston, led by J.J. McCarthy’s return in a single early drive that set the rhythm for the night. Will Reichard silenced camp concerns with a perfect two-for-two on field goals (long 48) and clean extra points, giving the Vikings a confident kicking baseline. The backup QB trio generated momentum, with Max Brosmer and Sam Howell orchestrating multiple TD drives and extending plays on the move, while Brett Rypien struggled to connect. Bryson Nesbit’s helmet moment provided a lighter subplot as Minnesota’s defense, under Brian Flores, pressured the Texans relentlessly—two sacks, 11 QB hits, a forced fumble, and three picks, while Texans were held under 200 yards. Special teams shined again, a note Vikings needed after last season, hinting at depth-chart intrigue as McCarthy, Howell, and Brosmer push for meaningful reps. This blend of efficient kicking, QB depth, and a swarming defense sets up intriguing fantasy angles heading into the next preseason and the regular season.