J.J. McCarthy’s ankle injury leaves Minnesota’s Week 3 plans in flux as Carson Wentz is slated to start against Cincinnati, with no firm return timetable for McCarthy. Cincinnati also faces a disruption as Joe Burrow will miss the game, shifting the Bengals’ game plan and fantasy upside. Minnesota’s injury wave—linemen and playmakers—complicates rostering decisions, while Wentz’s veteran presence adds a cautious upside for Vikings pieces in a volatile week.

The Falcons’ six-sack performance against McCarthy exposed the Vikings’ protection, underscoring a potential swing in Week 3: quicker passes and more play-action for Wentz, with Max Brosmer as a relieving option. Fantasy managers should gauge how the injury cluster and backup QB scenario alters target shares, red-zone opportunities, and overall scoring punch for Vikings and Bengals selections.