The NFL season for 2025 is shaping up as the Minnesota Vikings prepare to face the Chicago Bears, culminating in a Monday night showdown in the NFC North. Minnesota heads into this game as slight favorites by 1.5 points, with a projected total of 43.5 points. It’s an exciting moment as Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy makes his debut after a tough last season. Meanwhile, the Bears are stepping into a new era under head coach Ben Johnson.
Let’s dive into some of the standout fantasy plays for this upcoming game.
Aaron Jones, RB, Vikings (Flex $10,400, CPT $15,600)
Jones, who joined the Vikings last year, played a key role in their impressive 14-3 finish last season. Turning 30 in December, he ranked ninth in rushing yards with 1,138, solidifying his status as one of the top running backs in the league. With McCarthy starting his first game, it’s likely the Vikings will lean on Jones more, perhaps giving him a shot in the captain’s spot.
DJ Moore, WR, Bears (Flex $10,200, CPT $15,300)
While Moore’s stats dipped last season, he still managed a solid 98 receptions for 966 yards and six touchdowns. This year, under new coaching, he might become an exciting pick. He remains Caleb Williams’ main target and even took some reps in the backfield during training camp, emulating the versatile role of Deebo Samuel with the Bears. I’m personally interested in Moore’s potential this season and would consider him for a captain spot in the opener.
TJ Hockenson, TE, Vikings (Flex $8,400, CPT $12,600)
After battling ACL and MCL injuries last season and missing the first seven games of 2024, Hockenson returned to form, racking up decent stats in the final games, including a wildcard matchup against the Rams where he caught five passes for 64 yards. Given the Vikings’ potential offensive struggles, he could be a reliable target for McCarthy, especially when the team is in scoring range. I see real value in him here.
Jordan Mason, RB, Vikings (Flex $5,800, CPT $8,700)
Making his debut for the Vikings this Monday, Mason ended his last season in San Francisco. Seen as a top backup for the Vikings, he might just be a crucial player in this matchup, getting plenty of carries against the Bears and could find himself in scoring situations.
Cole Kmet, TE, Bears (Flex $4,800, CPT $7,200)
Don’t let the buzz around rookie tight end Colston Loveland overshadow Kmet. As a veteran, he stands to gain from Coach Johnson’s offense, which often features multiple tight ends. He could provide considerable value in this game, with a chance to make some impactful catches early on.
Kyle Monangai, RB, Bears (Flex $1,400, CPT $2,100)
Monangai, a rookie from Rutgers, might create a splash in his NFL debut. After impressing in training camp, Coach Johnson expressed strong confidence in him. This endorsement could signify that Monangai will see considerable action right from the start, making him an intriguing pick for those looking for a high-reward player to slot into their lineup.
