This NFC North showdown between the Bears and Vikings is one of the most important matchups of the week, with both teams led by exciting young franchise quarterbacks and both firmly in the playoff hunt. Seeding implications are huge, and from a fantasy standpoint, this game is loaded with skill-position firepower. Expect plenty of momentum swings, chunk plays, and several fantasy-friendly matchups on both sides of the ball.
📊 Quick Start/Sit Table
| Player | Team | Start/Sit | Notes |
| JJ McCarthy (QB) | MIN | Start | Safe floor, ascending talent, 230+ yds & a TD expected |
| Justin Jefferson (WR) | MIN | Start | Quiet by his standards—bounce-back spot |
| Jordan Addison (WR) | MIN | Start | Strong WR2; best TD bet of MIN’s WRs |
| Aaron Jones (RB) | MIN | Flex Start | Looks sharper; RB1 usage trending up |
| Jalen Nailor (WR) | MIN | Sneaky Flex | Favorable matchup vs CB3/S; sleeper upside |
| T.J. Hockenson (TE) | MIN | Sit | Still not integrated in red zone with McCarthy |
| Vikings D/ST | MIN | Sit | Bears offense hot; risky matchup |
| Caleb Williams (QB) | CHI | Start | 4 TDs in last 2 weeks; strong matchup |
| Rome Odunze (WR) | CHI | Start | Trending upward; WR2 with upside |
| Colston Loveland (TE) | CHI | Start | Breaking out; TE1 streamer this week |
| D’Andre Swift (RB) | CHI | Flex | Split backfield but enough volume |
| Kyle Monangai (RB) | CHI | Flex | TD-capable committee piece |
🟣 Minnesota Vikings Start/Sit
START: JJ McCarthy – QB
McCarthy looks more comfortable by the week, posting two strong fantasy outings in a row. With four legitimate pass-catching weapons, Minnesota has built an offense that fits his rhythm and accuracy. Against a Bears defense that has struggled with layered route concepts, McCarthy should deliver 230+ yards and at least one score, giving him a safe QB1/QB2 floor.
START: Justin Jefferson – WR
JJettas has had a quiet but productive season, but this is the exact type of matchup where he erupts. With the Bears often rolling coverage late and leaving windows in the intermediate game, Jefferson should thrive. Expect 7+ catches and 80+ yards with upside for more if the Vikings push tempo.
START: Jordan Addison – WR
💪 Addison is playing like a top-5 WR2 right now, and this matchup sets up perfectly for him. Chicago’s CB2 spot remains exploitable, and McCarthy has shown a growing trust in Addison in the red zone. If anyone scores through the air for Minnesota, Addison is the best bet.
FLEX START: Aaron Jones – RB
Jones may not get old-school bellcow touches, but he looks quicker and more decisive than he did early in the season. He’s hitting holes with authority and should see enough volume to be fantasy-relevant. Give him flex RB1.5 value with a real chance to score.
SNEAKY FLEX: Jalen Nailor – WR
You’ve hyped him and he rewarded you—now it may actually stick. Nailor benefits from the defensive attention paid to Jefferson and Addison, consistently drawing CB3 or safety matchups. With Minnesota using more 3-WR sets, Nailor has big-play upside and is a sneaky flex in deeper leagues.
SIT: T.J. Hockenson – TE
McCarthy should get Hockenson going eventually…but it hasn’t happened yet. He’s too valuable to the offense to be just a decoy forever, but the fantasy production still isn’t there. Until we see consistent usage in the red zone, keep him benched.
SIT: Vikings D/ST
The Bears’ offense has been rolling the last two weeks, and Minnesota’s defense has struggled with mobile quarterbacks and layered passing. Too much risk, not enough reward. Sit them confidently.
🟠Chicago Bears Start/Sit
START: Caleb Williams – QB
Williams has looked increasingly comfortable, tallying four TDs over the last two weeks and showing improved pocket poise. Minnesota’s defense is aggressive, but that aggression creates windows for a dynamic QB like Williams. Expect multiple scores.
START: Rome Odunze – WR
Odunze appears to be out of the doghouse and trending upward after a strong outing last week. His route variety makes him a difficult matchup for Minnesota’s secondary. Treat him as a high-floor WR2 this week.
START: Colston Loveland – TE
Loveland is quietly breaking out, stacking two solid weeks and emerging as a dependable target for Williams. The Vikings have already allowed big TE games to LaPorta and Gadsden, making Loveland a top streaming option.
FLEX: D’Andre Swift or Kyle Monangai – RB
💪 It’s a split backfield, but both backs get enough touches to produce. Swift brings explosive upside, Monangai brings TD value. If your roster needs a reliable floor flex, either one works.
✅ Final Takeaway
This matchup has the potential to be one of the highest-fantasy-impact games of the week. With two ascending QBs and multiple explosive weapons, expect a steady flow of fantasy production from both sides—just be careful starting any defense here
