Game Info
Kickoff: Monday, September 8th, 2025, 8:15 ET
Location: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
Network: ABC/ESPN
Minnesota Vikings
Quarterback
J.J. McCarthy: SIT, QB2 (Start-able in SuperFlex)
I like the upside of J.J. McCarthy this season, but I don’t like starting a quarterback making his first regular-season start on Monday Night in Chicago.
Running Back
Aaron Jones Sr.: FLEX, RB3
Jordan Mason: FLEX, RB3
I have zero shares of Aaron Jones Sr. this season; he was the rare player on my “do not draft” list that doesn’t actually exist. But if I did roster him, I’d only want to start him as a FLEX at best. I prefer the upside of his teammate (and soon-to-be successor) Jordan Mason.
Wide Receiver
Justin Jefferson: START, WR1
Adam Thielen: SIT
Jalen Nailor: SIT
You don’t need me to tell you to start Justin Jefferson. Did you know that the “The Griddy” dance move was created by Ja’Marr Chase’s high school friend and teammate Allen “Griddy” Davis? Chase then taught the move to Jefferson at LSU, who added the “throwing your B’s” gesture. (Big thanks to “masterpierround” on r/fantasyfootball for the catch.)
Tight End
T.J. Hockenson: START, TE1
Should see a significant bump in targets while Jordan Addison is suspended for the first three games of the season.
Chicago Bears
Quarterback
Caleb Williams: START, Borderline QB1
I’m quite high on Caleb Williams this season, but he’s a borderline starter in Week 1 in a problematic matchup against Minnesota. The hope is that under the tutelage of Ben Johnson, Williams can become matchup-proof. But he’s nowhere near there yet.
Running Back
D’Andre Swift: START, Borderline RB2
Roschon Johnson: SIT
Kyle Monangai: SIT
Similar to Caleb Williams, I’m excited to see what D’Andre Swift can do in the revamped Bears offense. But the Vikings allowed the 8th fewest fantasy points to running backs last season, capping his Week 1 ceiling.
Wide Receiver
DJ Moore: START, High End WR2
Rome Odunze: START, WR3
Luther Burden III: SIT
Start ’em if ya got ’em! Fire up both DJ Moore and Rome Odunze in a fantastic matchup, with the Vikings allowing the most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers last season.
Tight End
Colston Loveland: SIT
Cole Kmet: SIT
Cole Kmet is a McDouble, and Colston Loveland has upside but can’t be started until we see the Bears’ target distribution.