With the Minnesota Vikings going through changes at wide receiver, tight end T.J. Hockenson is a starting-caliber option as his team prepares to take on the Chicago Bears in Week 1. The veteran tight end figures to be a key part of Minnesota's passing game with wide receiver Jordan Addison (suspension) set to miss the first three games, and could very well be the team's second option behind superstar receiver Justin Jefferson. Hockenson started only nine times last season while recovering from an ACL injury the year prior, and figures to see a natural boost nearly two years post-surgery. He caught 95 passes in 2023 despite the Vikings playing half the season with backup quarterbacks, which bodes well for managers who drafted him as Minnesota breaks in first-time starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor should be left out of lineups when the club plays against the Chicago Bears in Week 1. Coming off a hand injury, the fourth-year pro has been given the all-clear to play, but the bigger issue from a fantasy perspective is his role within the offense. It looked for a time that Nailor could be the team's WR2 next to Justin Jefferson with Jordan Addison (suspension) set to miss the first three weeks, but the Vikings traded for Adam Thielen and quickly squashed that idea. The Vikings like Nailor, a willing run blocker who caught six touchdowns a year ago, but with tight end T.J. Hockenson fully back in the fold, Nailor is the team's fourth option and unlikely to see regular volume in the passing game.

From RotoBaller

Wide receiver Adam Thielen is a risky fantasy proposition in his return to the Minnesota Vikings, who will take on the Chicago Bears in this season's first Monday Night Football game. The Vikings traded for the veteran due to instability elsewhere in their receiver room, as Jordan Addison (suspension) will miss the first three games and Rondale Moore (knee) suffered a season-ending injury. The 35-year-old figures to play quite a bit right away, but the reality is that he was a late addition who is still behind receiver Justin Jefferson and likely tight end T.J. Hockenson in the pecking order, and he's attached to a quarterback in J.J. McCarthy who has never thrown a pass in the NFL before. Thielen certainly has something left in the tank and a history of making big catches, but an uncertain target share makes him tough to rely upon in Week 1.

From RotoBaller

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson is a must-start option, as usual, when the Vikings open the season against the Chicago Bears in Week 1. The sixth-year receiver dealt with a hamstring injury during training camp, but was not listed on Minnesota's final injury report and should continue to be the team's runaway top option for passing targets. Especially with fellow wide receiver Jordan Addison (suspension) out for the first three games, the All-Pro should receive plenty of volume from new starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Jefferson should be in starting lineups in every format.

From RotoBaller

Running back Jordan Mason will make his Minnesota Vikings debut on Monday against the Chicago Bears, against whom he should be viewed as a viable flex option. The Vikings have been dreadful in short yardage in recent seasons, but completely revamped their interior line and traded for the 26-year-old running back, who rushed for a career-best 789 yards in relief of Christian McCaffrey with San Francisco last season. Minnesota also brought back Aaron Jones Sr., so uncertainty surrounding the Vikings' backfield relegated both backs to the middle rounds of fantasy drafts. Ultimately, there is a reason Minnesota traded for Mason, who is likely to see regular short-yardage carries, including those near the goal line. Jones is the better receiving back, but Mason figures to still get enough touches to be fantasy relevant.

From RotoBaller

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. should be viewed as a flex/RB2 candidate as his team takes on the Chicago Bears in Week 1. A polarizing mid-round draft pick, the veteran back is one of the bigger wild cards in fantasy this season. Jones is a strong receiver who caught 50 passes in addition to surpassing 1,000 rushing yards last year and plays on a capable offense that rebuilt its interior line, but is now 30 years old, playing alongside a first-time starting quarterback, and most importantly, now sharing touches with Jordan Mason, whom the Vikings acquired this offseason. Though a rotation is likely, Jones is still the team's best pass-catching back and should continue to get a steady volume of receiving targets, which will be especially valuable in PPR formats.

From RotoBaller

Green Bay Packers pass rusher Micah Parsons (back) is expected to play Sunday against the Detroit Lions, but his snaps will be limited. The three-time All-Pro has been managing a back injury that restricted his practice reps during his first week with Green Bay. Parsons was traded from the Dallas Cowboys just a week before the season opener, so a restricted workload is expected as he acclimates to the Packers' defense. He joins a pass rush that struggled in 2024, with Rashan Gary being the only player to record more than five sacks last season. Expect Parsons to be deployed primarily in obvious passing-down situations, where he can maximize his impact and do what he does best: pressure and sack the quarterback. His presence should immediately improve the Packers' pass-rushing effectiveness, even in limited snaps.

From RotoBaller

It has been a long wait, but quarterback J.J. McCarthy is a playable option in Superflex leagues with his Minnesota Vikings set to take on the Chicago Bears in Week 1. The second-year quarterback missed his entire rookie season after sustaining a meniscus injury, but it's now his show in Minnesota after the Vikings parted ways with Sam Darnold in the offseason. He'll start with a road game against a strong Bears pass defense that allowed the fewest passing touchdowns in the NFL and ranked seventh in pressure percentage in 2024. With a rebuilt interior offensive line, capable veterans at all skill positions -- including All-Pro Justin Jefferson at receiver -- and a quarterback-friendly coach, McCarthy is still worthy of holding a QB2 spot in Week 1.

From RotoBaller

Minnesota Vikings left tackle Christian Darrisaw (knee) is listed as questionable for Monday Night's matchup against the Chicago Bears. Darrisaw tore his ACL and MCL in Week 8 of the 2024 season and has spent the offseason recovering from the major injury. He practiced at full capacity on Friday and continued drills on Saturday, though head coach Kevin O'Connell cautioned, "It's going to depend on how (Darrisaw) feels on Sunday." If Darrisaw plays, he's set to face off against Bears edge rusher Montez Sweat, who tallied 5.5 sacks last season. With the Vikings relying on J.J. McCarthy at quarterback, having their starting left tackle healthy is crucial for both pass protection and offensive consistency. Fantasy managers and game planners should monitor Darrisaw's status closely, as his availability will have a direct impact on McCarthy's performance and the Vikings' rushing attack.

From RotoBaller

Rookie wide receiver Tai Felton of the Minnesota Vikings appears to have only a minor role as his team takes on the Chicago Bears on Monday, keeping him off the fantasy radar. The rookie from Maryland looked to have a pathway to playing time with Jordan Addison suspended, Rondale Moore (knee) out for the season, and Jalen Nailor (hand) in jeopardy of missing the opening week, but Minnesota opted for veteran help instead by reacquiring Adam Thielen in a trade with Carolina. With Nailor carrying no injury designation, Felton is realistically the team's sixth option behind its top three receivers, tight end T.J. Hockenson, and pass-friendly running back Aaron Jones. Felton is a worthwhile taxi-squad stash in dynasty formats, but he can be left on the waiver wire in redraft leagues.

From RotoBaller

Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze begins his sophomore season on Monday Night Football against the Minnesota Vikings. The 2024 ninth-overall pick had a quiet rookie year, averaging 6.9 half-PPR fantasy points per game and finishing as the WR49, while playing behind two veteran receivers. Now in 2025, Odunze has a prime opportunity to step forward in new head coach Ben Johnson's offense. With Keenan Allen gone, the Bears vacate over eight targets per game, opening the door for Odunze and others to take on a much larger role. The matchup is ideal, as Minnesota's defense allowed the most fantasy points to wide receivers in 2024. Still, Odunze's production will hinge on how quickly Caleb Williams can take a step forward in year two. Given the favorable matchup, Odunze is a high-risk, high-reward WR3 in Week 1.

From RotoBaller

Minnesota Vikings kicker Will Reichard should be viewed as a low-end starting option during his team's Week 1 matchup against the Chicago Bears. The second-year kicker had an excellent start to his first season -- he made every kick in his first seven games -- but saw his year go sideways with a quadriceps injury that required an IR stint and affected his performance during the season half. Now healthy, he's still attached to a talented Vikings offense that rebuilt its offensive line, added running back Jordan Mason, and traded for receiver Adam Thielen. Chicago can be a treacherous place to kick, but Minnesota will make the journey early in the season with pleasant weather in the forecast.

From RotoBaller

Chicago Bears wide receiver D.J. Moore opens his eighth NFL season on Monday Night Football against the Minnesota Vikings. Moore is coming off a down 2024 campaign, averaging 11.1 half-PPR fantasy points per game, ranking 32nd on the year. His efficiency dipped notably, with his yards per target falling from 10.0 to 6.9 and touchdowns dropping from eight to six, as rookie quarterback Caleb Williams went through growing pains. The outlook for 2025 is more promising. With Keenan Allen no longer in Chicago, over 120 vacated targets create an opportunity for Moore to re-establish himself as the clear WR1 in Ben Johnson's new offense. He also draws a dream Week 1 matchup against a Vikings secondary that surrendered the most fantasy points to wide receivers last season. The favorable matchup boosts Moore's floor, but his ceiling still depends on Williams taking a second-year leap. Moore enters Week 1 as a low-end WR2 with upside.

From RotoBaller

Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (illness) is doubtful for Monday Night's matchup against the Chicago Bears. The six-time Pro Bowler has missed most of Vikings training camp but participated in his first limited practice on Friday. Head coach Kevin O'Connell noted, "It's more of a physical ramp up as we move forward." With Smith unlikely to play, veteran Josh Metellus will step in at strong safety. This is a positive development for the Bears' offense, as Smith has long been a cornerstone of Minnesota's defense and a key player in defensive coordinator Brian Flores' scheme. Smith's next expected opportunity to play is Week 2 on Sunday Night Football against the Atlanta Falcons, assuming a continued health ramp-up.

From RotoBaller

Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson (calf/groin) is listed as questionable for Monday Night's matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. The two-time Pro Bowler has been limited in practice all week, but given the high-profile matchup against Justin Jefferson, don't be surprised to see him suit up. In Jefferson's last three games against Johnson, he has recorded 13 receptions on 24 targets for 138 yards and a touchdown, averaging 8.8 half-PPR fantasy points per game. If Johnson sits out Monday, Jefferson is poised for a big game, and the Bears' defense will face major challenges containing Minnesota's high-powered offense.

From RotoBaller

Los Angeles Rams kicker Joshua Karty is a fringe top-12 fantasy option heading into Sunday's season opener against the Houston Texans. With a strong offense in place, Los Angeles should be able to move the football quite well, even against an above-average Texans defense. This should lead to several field goal and extra point opportunities for Karty, who went 29-for-34 on field goals and 32-for-36 on extra points as a rookie last year. SoFi Stadium's ability to protect kicks from elements such as wind also benefits Karty, especially if he attempts any long-distance kicks on Sunday. RotoBaller's experts have the Stanford product ranked as the overall K11 this week, making him startable in leagues with at least 12 teams.

From RotoBaller

Dynasty | Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts completed 19-of-23 passes for 152 yards while adding 62 rushing yards and two touchdowns in the Eagles opening night win over Dallas. Dynasty Analysis: Hurts was efficient in this one and did what he was asked (and more on the ground) but the passing game was far from dynamic on opening night. With AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith nearly non-existent, Philadelphia and their new play caller are going to need to get more creative. Regardless, Hurts was solid and looked to be in complete control of basically everything. He has weekly overall QB1 appeal each week.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Dynasty | Eagles running back Saquon Barkley had 60 rushing yards, four catches, 24 receiving yards and a touchdown in Philadelphia's opening night win over Dallas. Dynasty Analysis: Barkley was mostly bottled up by Dallas, averaging just 3.3 yards per carry on the night. In the end, this is likely just "one of those nights," but the Eagles offense looked a little inept without the services of old Offensive Coordinator Kellen Moore. There should be brighter days ahead for Barkley, who remains a primary target for contending dynasty teams as he reaches the back half of his career.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Dynasty | Cowboys running back Javonte Williams had 54 rushing yards, two catches, ten receiving yards and two touchdowns in a loss to the Eagles on opening night. Dynasty Analysis: This is bound to be one of the bigger storylines of the week in terms of short-term fantasy league impact. Williams had 17 touches, while Miles Sanders had five and Jaydon Blue was a healthy scratch. The touchdowns mask the fact he only averaged 3.6 yards per carry but this was a big day for Williams as he attempts to resurrect his career. It will be very interesting to see if Blue is activated next week and if he overtakes Sanders, who had a costly fumble in the game. Williams could be a quick trade candidate if you're in a dynasty league and know you're not a contender as his value will be on the rise after this performance.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Dynasty | Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb had seven catches for 110 yards in a loss to the Eagles on opening night. Dynasty Analysis: Lamb could have had an even bigger night but two drops stopped that from happening. Still, the Cowboys offense looked better than most thought it would and Lamb himself looks like a player who is simply going to be fed the ball as many times as possible. While Justin Jefferson and Ja'Marr Chase will get all the headlines as potential WR1 candidates this year, Lamb has as big a chance as they do at actually getting that done.

From Dynasty League Fantasy