J.J. McCarthy steps in as Minnesota’s starter behind a stellar supporting cast led by Jefferson and Addison, with a revamped interior line and a run-first play-action approach. The offense projects well, but the rookie QB’s inexperience is the biggest uncertainty. Aaron Jones remains a fantasy factor in the backfield rotation, while Mason has a path to weekly work if Jones slows or misses time.

Defensively, Flores’ unit brings pressure with Greenard, Van Ginkel and Turner, potentially boosting Minnesota’s fantasy-friendly game scripts. Donovan Jackson, the rookie at left guard, is the linchpin of the run game, and Minnesota’s offense should keep them in postseason contention. Addison over 750.5 receiving yards is a sharp wager given his past production and the QB’s development arc.

Overall, McCarthy’s early leash will be run-action heavy, Jefferson remains a ceiling-capped monster, Addison offers a high floor with upside, and the backfield duo of Mason Jones provides depth in a run-centric attack. The Vikings figure to be a playoff contender with a balanced, high-upside fantasy profile across skill positions.

Will Campbell’s NFL baptism came at Minnesota’s joint practice, where the 2025 No. 4 overall pick yielded two sacks and a pressure to Jonathan Greenard. Greenard framed it as rookie growth, emphasizing reps and technique over panic. Campbell’s path remains patient for a Patriots offense protecting Drake Maye’s blindside, with live-game risk looming against Crosby and Watt. Patriots nation is focused on development, not an instant fix, as reps shape Campbell’s consistency and Maye’s protection.

Campbell’s ceiling hinges on reps and coaching—chip help, footwork, and quarterback awareness. Drake Maye’s early trust is tied to stability on the left edge, while opponents Crosby and Watt offer a brutal early barometer. The Patriots aren’t pressing for immediate greatness; they’re stacking reps to build a dependable left tackle for Maye as New England navigates a challenging opening schedule.

Jonathan Greenard lands at No. 48 on NFL.com’s top-100 list, voted by players, as the Gator-turned-Vikings edge continues its ascent. After signing a four-year deal in Minnesota, he burst onto the scene with QB-hunting pop, four forced turnovers, and 12 sacks across 17 games. The performance earned him his first Pro Bowl nod and cemented him as a key piece of a turnover-happy defense.

Vikings coaches tout his closing speed and ability to win solo or with help from teammates, while Greenard emphasizes humility and daily learning, adding new counters each year to keep opponents guessing. With offseason departures on defense, his role figures to grow, placing him firmly on fantasy radars for sacks and disruptive plays.

From a fantasy lens, Greenard’s sack upside looks readily investable, even if volume hinges on Minnesota’s overall health and game plan. He’s not just a one-off breakout; he’s a stable source of pressure with weekly DL1-week-to-week upside in favorable matchups.

The Carolina Panthers are facing a potential setback as offensive lineman Chandler Zavala is likely to miss significant time during training camp due to a knee injury. During a one-on-one pass-rushing drill, Zavala sustained an injury affecting his patellar tendon, although coach Dave Canales relieved concerns by stating it is not a complete rupture. Recovery will be critical for Zavala, who is entering his third year with the team. The Panthers, looking to solidify their offensive line, will need to adjust their training and strategies to accommodate this unexpected absence.