The Minnesota Vikings will travel to take on the Chicago Bears in Week 1. Here’s the latest fantasy football news and advice to help you with your lineups this week and moving forward, specifically regarding RB Aaron Jones Sr..
Is Aaron Jones Sr. Playing in Week 1?
Jones is not listed on the injury report this week, so barring any setbacks, he will play.
We’ll continue to monitor the Vikings’ injury report leading up to kickoff for any changes. You can also visit and bookmark our Fantasy News Tracker for the latest updates.
Should You Start or Sit Aaron Jones Sr. in Week 1?
If you spent a sixth-round pick on Aaron Jones, you’re clearly more bullish on Minnesota’s veteran back than most. That decision also means you’re counting on him to be a weekly staple in your starting lineup. While that might be a dangerous bet for the entire season, it should be a safe one for Week 1.
While with the Green Bay Packers, Jones dominated the Chicago Bears in their two matchups during the 2024-25 season, piling up at least 20 touches and 18 fantasy points in both games.
In theory, he enters this contest in better physical shape than he was for either of those, given that it’s the first game of the year. He also had 13 red zone touches across those two contests, which brings up a major question for his new team: Can the Minnesota Vikings’ offense replicate last season’s success with a change under center?
Furthermore, is Jones the one who will get those valuable carries for the Vikings this season?
In their first meeting a season ago, Chicago loaded the box on 40.9% of Jones’s carries, the fifth-highest rate he faced all year. A similar game plan should be expected in J.J. McCarthy’s professional debut. Jones’s yards-per-carry average against loaded boxes topped out at 4.6 in 2022 with the Packers, but it fell to 3.9 in 2023 and settled at 3.7 last season.
The volume of work, at least to open the season, shouldn’t be an issue. However, there are efficiency concerns to consider, even in a seemingly favorable matchup like this one, until McCarthy demands the defensive respect that Sam Darnold garnered a season ago.
You can get away with playing Jones this week as you planned at the draft, but it’s wise to track his usage in scoring situations. Don’t hesitate to sell high if he opens the season with a bang.
Are you looking for start/sit advice for other players in your lineup? Read our Week 1 Fantasy Football Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em article.
Aaron Jones Sr.’s Fantasy Points Projection in Week 1
Jones is projected to score 13.1 points in PPR formats. This includes 56.2 rushing yards, 0.2 rushing touchdowns, 2.9 receptions for 21.6 receiving yards, and 0.2 receiving touchdowns.
Check out the free PFSN Fantasy Start-Sit Optimizer for the latest projections and advice for your lineups this week.
Week 1 Weather Impact: Vikings at Bears
Weather could significantly impact this outdoor game with temperatures at 64 degrees Fahrenheit and strong winds of 16 mph. The wind will likely affect the passing and kicking games, potentially favoring rushing attacks.
