Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, September 20, 2026, 5:00 PM ET
Location: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
Network: FOX
Minnesota Vikings
Quarterback
Kyler Murray: Likely OUT
Carson Wentz: SIT, QB2 (Startable in Superflex)
Kyler Murray threw five passes before getting rocked and leaving the game with a concussion. Technically, he’s not declared out as of the time of writing, but he’s yet to clear concussion protocol, and I’d expect him to miss at least one start. Carson Wentz finished with only 133 passing yards, but three touchdowns and no interceptions will do a lot of heavy lifting for fantasy. I’m not going out of my way to start Wentz, but if/when Murray is declared out, I’ll start him as my QB2 in Superflex. He’s facing the same defense that just allowed Bryce Young to throw four touchdowns.
Running Back
Aaron Jones Sr: START, RB2
Jordan Mason: IR
Demond Claiborne: SIT
It’s not Jordan Mason‘s backfield yet, but it should be. He and Aaron Jones split red zone work, Jones had more 3rd down snaps, Mason had more rushing attempts, but both were pedestrian. It’s a fantastic matchup against a poor Bears defense that allowed two rushing touchdowns last week. Mason is dealing with a thumb issue but is expected suit up. Jones belongs in a retirement home. Demond Claiborn had no touches but interesting bench stash.
Mason’s thumb issue was apparently a bigger deal than initially reported. Mason ended up having a small fracture in his thumb, already having surgery, and is expected to miss either the minimum four games after being placed on the IR, or close to it. Jones gets bumped to a volume-based RB2 with a fantastic matchup, and Demond Claiborne should be added everywhere (but not started).
Wide Receiver
Justin Jefferson: START, WR1
Jordan Addison: FLEX, WR4
Jauan Jennings: SIT
Justin Jefferson has returned to must-start status. He’s the gas pump at the 24-hour Sheetz: Always open (except pump number nine. We don’t talk about pump number nine). Better days are ahead for Jordan Addison, and I have zero issues throwing him in as a borderline WR3/FLEX against a Bears defense that just got waxed by Carolina. Minnesota will likely need to throw the ball a lot to keep up with Ben Johnson‘s offense, and 50-year-old Aaron Jones can’t shoulder the load by himself.
Tight End
T.J. Hockenson: SIT
The last time T.J. Hockenson was fantasy relevant, AI was the guy that kept talking about practice. Not a game, not the ACTUAL game. Practice.
Defense/Special Teams
Minnesota Vikings: START
Although they gave up plenty of yards, Minnesota still accumulated four sacks, 1 pick, and forced two fumbles. The Vikings DST is an every-week starter.
Chicago Bears
Quarterback
Caleb Williams: START, QB1
With a career-best game, Caleb Williams locked up what we in the biz (aka Me, Brett, and our EIC) call an Honest Abe. Four Scores. Get it? GET IT?!
Anywho, Williams played like an MVP candidate in Carolina, tossing two touchdowns, rushing for two, and completing 21/29 pass attempts for a very nice 269 yards. He ended with zero turnovers after a fourth-quarter pick was overturned by a defensive offside. Williams headed down south to the land of the pines, scoring his way outta North Caroline with a Bears W. If he can take on division rival Minnesota and put up 75% of his Week 1 against their defense, it’ll be hard to not call Williams a weekly must-start. Even with the tough matchup, his upside and rushing ability should keep him in most lineups for Week 2.
Running Back
D’Andre Swift: START, RB2
Kyle Monangai: FLEX, RB3
Roschon Johnson: SIT
I was shocked to see Kyle Monangai play so much after nursing an injury most of training camp, but D’Andre Swift led the way with 19 opportunities to Monangai’s 12. Both backs were top three in yards per carry for Week 1: Monangai 1st with 10 and Swift third with 6.89. Both hit it hard with an explosive run rate over 10, but Swift’s six red zone carries to Monangai’s one was the difference between a 30 burger and 20 points. You’re not mad at 20 from Monangai if you started him, and he’s a viable FLEX until further notice.
Wide Receiver
Rome Odunze: START, WR3
Luther Burden III: START, WR2
Kalif Raymond: SIT
Maybe it’s Rome Odunze‘s lingering foot injury. Maybe it really is a changing of the guard in Chi town. Luther Burden III had five targets to Odunze’s three, but it was Kalif Raymond who led the way with nine targets, eight receptions, and 84 yards. No, Raymond’s not the WR1, or even the WR2, but him running the same route percentage as Odunze with Burden well ahead of both of them does say something. Burden really may be the guy. Burden’s a high-end WR2 and Odunze a solid WR3 for me this week.
Tight End
Colston Loveland: START, TE1
Cole Kmet: SIT
Don’t get cute. Colston Loveland still had an 84.2% route share and only one fewer target than Cole Kmet. Weird things happen in life and fantasy football. Loveland will be just fine.
Defense/Special Teams
Chicago Bears: SIT
