J.J. McCarthy's rocky start flipped to history in the fourth quarter as Minnesota stunned Chicago 27-24. He became the first quarterback to throw three fourth-quarter TDs in an NFL debut, erasing a 10-point deficit on the road—the first to do so since Steve Young in 1985. A late drive featured a 27-yard TD to Aaron Jones Sr., a Thielen two-point, and a hurtling TD run helped by solid Hockenson blocking to seal it.

Jefferson snagged a 13-yard TD on the comeback, and Flores' defense locked down Caleb Williams and the Bears late. The debut reshapes fantasy expectations: McCarthy's ceiling is immense when the passing game clicks, while Jefferson's volume should stay elite. Thielen and Jones Sr. added vital touches, signaling a multi-faceted Vikings attack with upside as the season unfolds.

Week 3 of the NFL preseason sends Minnesota to Nashville for a primetime look at Tennessee. Flores’s Vikings defense has become the engine of the team, pressuring quarterbacks and creating week-to-week fantasy intrigue even in exhibition play. Cam Ward headlines the Titans’ rookie qbs, with the Vikings resting J.J. McCarthy to evaluate backups and roster depth. The game is a perfect canvas for rookies Donovan Jackson and Kobe King to push for final-50-man spots along the interior and linebacker groups, while Ward and Co. test Minnesota’s ability to close out drives under pressure.

The Titans have been reshuffling up front and in the backfield, and the Vikings’ offense will be without McCarthy for a stretch, elevating the value of backups and playmakers stepping into more reps. Expect a rotation-heavy script that could spark a few fantasy headlines: turn-key targets at RB/WR for both sides, with a spotlight on how the rookie linemen perform against Flores’s blitz schemes. Kickoff is 8:00 p.m. ET on FOX 9 in Nashville.

Driessing a Browns-Eagles showcase, this recap hones in on fantasy-relevant drama from the Saturday tilt. Dillon Gabriel’s first half in the Browns’ QB3 spotlight offered a mixed bag—efficient on third down but with a costly turnover, leaving him behind Flacco and Pickett for now and nudging his stock to a “needs a standout performance” tier. Andrew Mukuba’s day was a spark plug for Philadelphia, hauling in a 75-yard pick-6 and capitalizing on Gabriel’s misread to swing momentum. The CB2 battle for Philly remained fluid, with Adoree’ Jackson and Nolan Smith quietly elevating the defense, while Kelee Ringo’s coverage hiccups kept him in a rough patch yet not out of the race. Kyle McCord’s and DTR’s rotation underscored Browns’ QB3 intrigue, while the Eagles’ pass rush showed signs of life from Ojulari. The takeaway for fantasy managers: monitor the QB3 dance in Cleveland and the evolving CB2 depth in Philadelphia, plus any edge-pressure uptick from Philadelphia’s signings, as reps mount ahead of Week 1.

Entering the new NFL season, several rookie prospects are already making headlines as they defy expectations. Players like Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Garrett Wilson quickly establish themselves as key contributors to their teams. The buzz around these first-year players is palpable, as they showcase their skills during training camps and preseason games. Scouts and analysts alike are taking notice, predicting that some of these young talents could be game-changers for their franchises.

This year's draft class features a mix of offensive and defensive stars. With teams looking for a competitive edge, the impact of these rookies could reshape the dynamics within their respective divisions. Fantasy managers and sports bettors need to keep an eye on these rising stars, as their performances could significantly affect player rankings and betting odds.