Fantasy Football Player Notes

Carson Wentz, producing Justin Jefferson's best fantasy weeks over the last two years, showcases the minimal amount of QB play needed for the superstar to get home. This also indicates how bad J.J. McCarthy must have been last year for Jefferson to struggle as much as he did. Unfortunately, Kyler Murray left the game early after a late hit. As a result, Wentz stepped in and fed Jefferson for eight receptions, 92 yards, and two touchdowns. The Vikings managed to stun the Packers, who were in control for most of the game. They now face a red-hot Bears team that is looking to set offensive records. Unless Brian Flores can continue to have elite game plans up his sleeve, Wentz may be forced to air it out to Jefferson all game. After all, the Bears just allowed Jalen Coker to have 138 yards and two scores last week.

In Week 1, Aaron Jones finished as the RB26 in fantasy. He had 12 touches and 40 total yards (one score) while playing 42.6% of the snaps with half of the running back red zone rushing attempts (four) and a 23.3% route share. Sadly, his per-touch metrics didn't look any better than last season's, as he had only 1.92 yards after contact per attempt and zero missed tackles forced. Jones could have another strong flex-worthy performance despite his inefficiencies in Week 2. With Jordan Mason out (thumb), Jones should be the clear lead back for the Vikings this week. The Bears' run defense was as poor in Week 1 as advertised this summer, allowing the eighth-highest explosive run rate, the second-highest rushing success rate, and the tenth-most EPA per rush.

Last week, Jordan Addison had a quiet game. Addison had only an 8.3% target share, zero receiving yards, one red zone target, and zero first-reads. In Week 1, Chicago utilized single high at the eighth-highest rate (60.5%). Since 2024, against single high, Addison has had an 18% target-per-route run rate and 1.66 yards per route run. Those are passable numbers, but they aren't something to get overly excited about. Against the Chicago secondary, it might not matter in Week 2, though. In Week 1, Chicago allowed the third-most yards per target and the most fantasy points per target to perimeter wide receivers. Addison is a risky but intriguing flex this week.

T.J. Hockenson had a surprising Week 1 as the TE9 for the week. Hockenson had a 16.7% target share, 36 receiving yards (1.71 YPRR), one red zone target, a score, and a 20% first-read share. We'll see if that usage continues into Week 2. The matchup isn't great for Hockenson this week. Last year, Chicago allowed the tenth-fewest yards per target and the ninth-fewest fantasy points per opportunity to tight ends.