The Chicago Bears are heavily relying on their seasoned veterans in the current season. Key players such as running back D’Andre Swift, wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus, and tight end Cole Kmet have been consistently featured on the field. In contrast, their rookies, including Kyle Monangai, wide receiver Luther Burden III, and tight end Colston Loveland, have primarily served as backups, showcasing the Bears' commitment to experienced talent.
On the other hand, the Minnesota Vikings have adopted a unique backfield committee approach. While veteran Aaron Jones started the game, newcomer Jordan Mason played a crucial role, splitting the workload evenly with Jones. Surprisingly, Mason led the backfield in both rushing attempts and rushing yards, indicating a promising future for this duo.
The Vikings acquired Mason from the San Francisco 49ers this offseason to complement Jones. With Jones having missed the preseason, there was uncertainty regarding the backfield dynamics. However, it has become clear that the Vikings are operating with a near-even split between the two players. Jones began the game on the field for the first two drives, while Mason took over for the third drive, creating a pattern where both backs alternated series throughout the game. This strategy included several plays featuring both backs simultaneously on the field.
Initially, there were expectations for situational usage—Mason for early downs and Jones for passing scenarios. However, the Vikings have utilized both backs interchangeably, illustrating their trust in each player to perform in various situations. Historically, the snap counts for these backs have varied, with Jones seeing anywhere from 51% to 92% of offensive snaps last season, while former Vikings back Alexander Mattison ranged from 31% to 80%. Although the current backfield looks like a 50-50 split, it’s plausible that performance and age could shift the balance in Mason's favor as the season progresses.
In the tight end department, T.J. Hockenson has seen an uptick in his snap rate compared to last season, where he was limited due to injury and depth concerns. The Vikings retained Hockenson along with Josh Oliver but parted ways with third tight end Johnny Mundt. Last season, Hockenson played only 61% of offensive snaps, which included 51.6% of early-down snaps in one-tight end sets and 91.7% on third downs.
In the season opener, Hockenson's snap rate improved significantly on early downs in single-tight end sets, taking on more responsibilities from Oliver. He continues to be a reliable option on third downs but remains somewhat restricted in two-tight-end formations. With the Vikings employing fewer two-tight-end sets, Hockenson's playing time has seen a welcome boost. While the offense still needs to enhance its overall performance for Hockenson to reach his fantasy potential, his increased usage is a positive sign for fantasy managers.
Turning back to the Bears, D’Andre Swift has firmly established himself as the lead back, even with the hiring of new head coach Ben Johnson. The Bears’ only offseason addition was seventh-round rookie Kyle Monangai. There were speculations that Monangai could surpass Roschon Johnson on the depth chart, but with Johnson sidelined in Week 1 due to injury, Monangai stepped in as the backup.
Swift's role as the primary back has been solidified, as he handled responsibilities across all game situations. Monangai's involvement was limited, with the Bears even experimenting with some no-running-back sets. Swift’s snap rate reflects his consistent usage from the previous season, despite not dominating early downs as he had in the latter part of 2024. With an average of just 3.3 yards per carry—a reflection of the retooled offensive line—Swift remains a reliable fantasy starter. Monangai may serve as a handcuff, yet he is not a priority for waiver wire adds at this stage.
Despite being an early second-round pick, Luther Burden III currently sits fourth on the Bears' depth chart. Although Burden saw some action on offense, there is no evident pathway for an increase in playing time. Many expected Burden to take on the role of the third wide receiver in three-receiver sets; however, it has been free-agent addition Olamide Zaccheaus who has consistently filled that role throughout the preseason.
In most formations, D.J. Moore has lined up as the X receiver, while Rome Odunze has played the Z position, with Zaccheaus operating out of the slot in 11 personnel. Burden has sporadically rotated in, taking snaps as Moore’s backup and subbing in for Zaccheaus, but he has not established himself as a fixture in any particular package. For now, it may be wise to stash Burden, but if his snap share doesn't increase soon, it might be time for fantasy managers to reconsider.
On the tight end front, Cole Kmet has demonstrated his value as an every-down tight end, despite the presence of rookie Colston Loveland. The Bears invested a first-round pick in Loveland, and while both tight ends saw nearly identical usage in preseason, Week 1 revealed a distinct rotation. Kmet played in all situations, while Loveland was primarily used in two-tight-end sets. In some run-heavy formations, even third-stringer Durham Smythe took the field over Loveland.
Kmet’s snap share was slightly lower than late last season but still higher than early in 2024. He remains a priority fantasy add based on playing time alone, although his involvement in the passing game was limited to just one significant catch of 30 yards. Loveland, who caught both of his targets for a modest total of 12 yards, is also worth stashing due to his first-round pedigree and heavy preseason usage. While he’s not yet a fantasy starter, his potential for future role expansion is greater than that of Burden.
The Vikings' wide receiver rotation was simplified due to Jordan Addison's suspension. Justin Jefferson and Jalen Nailor played every down, with Adam Thielen joining them in three-receiver sets. Unlike his previous slot role in Carolina, all three receivers lined up all over the field, mirroring the Vikings' wide receiver strategy from last season. Meanwhile, Vikings running back Zavier Scott was inactive due to an ankle injury, and even if healthy, he may have been inactive as teams typically do not carry four halfbacks on the gameday roster. Additionally, Vikings wide receiver Tim Jones was a practice squad elevation for this game.
In summary, both the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings showcase intriguing dynamics in their respective rosters. With a focus on veteran players and evolving backfield strategies, fantasy managers should keep a close eye on player usage and performance as the season progresses.
