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.