Non-linear NFL progress dominates Bears chatter: a core group is trending up, led by Byard’s playmaking and Edmunds’ tackling spark, while Stevenson, Odunze and Dexter deliver clear upward movement in coverage, receiving, and rush potential. Caleb Williams is framed as a developmental blueprint rather than an immediate fix, in contrast to the downtrending run of Jackson, Odeyingbo, Jarrett, Sweat, and Jones. The piece emphasizes that a few good games aren’t enough to rewrite fates; sustained movement shapes fantasy upside more than flashy box-score lines.

Rookie volatility and veteran steadiness collide in Chicago’s season-long arc, with questions about O-line protection, run defense, and pass rush as unlocks for fantasy managers. The analysis maps concrete trendlines, pinpoints players most likely to endure upward spirals, and flags those whose declines could broaden waiver-wire conversations, all through a data-driven, game-to-game lens.

Raiders Week 4 focal point is stabilizing the interior line against Chicago. Vegas shuffled left guard and center, with Alex Cappa stepping in at right guard as Jackson Powers-Johnson heals, while Jordan Meredith remains in flux. The run game has lagged and Ashton Jeanty has all rushing yards after contact. The Bears’ interior defense is watchful, but Gervon Dexter provides a real interior rush threat. Kickoff is 1:00 p.m. PT on CBS.

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.