Monday Night Football opens Week 1 with Minnesota traveling to Chicago in a marquee NFC showdown. Harrison Smith is out for Minnesota, while Justin Jefferson is listed healthy despite preseason hamstring concerns. Chicago will be without T.J. Edwards and two starting corners, Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon. Minnesota sits as a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 43.5. The SportsLine staple, RJ White, leans under and points to a pivotal X-factor that could tilt the spread.

From a fantasy lens, Jefferson’s health looms large as McCarthy makes his MNF debut for Minnesota. Chicago counters with Swift back in the backfield and Caleb Williams-adjacent hype, which could juice the Bears’ offense. With Smith out, the Vikings’ secondary loses a veteran presence, elevating opportunities for Chicago’s pass game, while Minnesota looks to pace the game and capitalize on big plays from Jefferson and McCarthy connections.