- The Minnesota Vikings‘ backfield committee: While Aaron Jones started for the Vikings, newcomer Jordan Mason split the workload evenly—and actually led the backfield in both rushing attempts and rushing yards.
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Minnesota Vikings @ Chicago Bears
The Vikings’ new running back rotation: Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason rotated throughout the game, sharing backfield duties in a near-even split.
The Vikings acquired Jordan Mason from the 49ers this offseason to pair with Aaron Jones. With Jones sitting out the preseason, it was unclear how Minnesota would manage the backfield rotation, though early reports suggested a 50-50 split.
Jones opened the game and played every snap on the first two drives, while Mason took over on the third. From there, the two alternated series for most of the game, with each typically handling full drives. The Vikings also mixed in a few plays featuring both backs on the field simultaneously.
While the expectation was that the Vikings would split backfield duties between Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason, many assumed it would be situational — early downs for Mason, passing downs for Jones. Mason was primarily a two-down back in San Francisco, while Jones thrived in the passing game during his time in Green Bay.
Instead, the two were used interchangeably. Snaps were nearly even on both early and late downs, indicating the Vikings trust both backs in any situation. That opens the door for game-to-game volatility depending on performance.
Jones played anywhere from 51% to 92% of offensive snaps last season; former Vikings back Alexander Mattison ranged from 31% to 80% the year before. While this backfield currently looks like a true 50-50 split, history suggests the balance could shift. Based on performance and age, it wouldn’t be surprising if Mason eventually emerges as the lead option.
T.J. Hockenson’s snap rate improved: Hockenson’s playing time was limited last season due to his return from injury and the Vikings’ depth at tight end.
The Vikings retained their top two tight ends in T.J. Hockenson and Josh Oliver but moved on from their third tight end, Johnny Mundt. Hockenson played just 61% of offensive snaps last season. That included 51.6% of early-down snaps in one-tight end sets, 91.7% on third downs in one-tight end sets and only 53.2% of snaps in two-tight end formations.
In the season opener, Hockenson’s snap rate primarily improved on early downs in single-tight end sets, taking reps from Oliver. He remained the clear option on third downs but continued to be limited in two-tight-end sets. With no fullback active in Week 1 and the Vikings using less 12 personnel than usual, Hockenson’s snap share saw a boost.
The offense still needs to improve for Hockenson to reach his full fantasy potential, but the increased usage is a promising sign.
The first look at the Bears’ backfield splits: D’Andre Swift remained the clear lead back in the Bears’ backfield.
When the Bears hired Ben Johnson as head coach, many expected a major backfield shakeup. Instead, their only addition was seventh-round rookie Kyle Monangai. There was steady offseason buzz around Monangai potentially leapfrogging Roschon Johnson on the depth chart, and with Johnson sidelined in Week 1 due to a foot injury, Monangai entered as the No. 2.
D’Andre Swift remained the clear lead back, handling duties in all situations. Monangai saw limited work, and the Bears also mixed in some no-running-back sets. Swift’s snap rate mirrored his usage at the end of last season. While he didn’t dominate early downs as he had late in 2024, he was consistently on the field for third downs, an uptick from last year’s role.
Swift averaged just 3.3 yards per carry, a modest start, but that’s understandable behind a retooled offensive line and within a new scheme. Given his volume, he remains a reliable weekly fantasy starter. Monangai may be the handcuff, but he’s not a priority waiver add at this point.
Luther Burden III remains fourth on the depth chart: Burden played some snaps on the offense, but there is no clear path to a significant increase in snaps.
The Bears used an early second-round pick on Burden, but his role remains limited heading into the season. While many assumed he’d be the third wide receiver in three-receiver sets, it was free-agent addition Olamide Zaccheaus who consistently filled that role throughout the preseason.
In most formations, D.J. Moore lined up as the X, Rome Odunze as the Z and Zaccheaus worked from the slot in 11 personnel. Burden rotated in sporadically — taking reps in single-wide sets as Moore’s backup, subbing in for Zaccheaus in the slot and appearing in four-receiver sets — but he wasn’t a fixture in any particular package.
It’s reasonable to keep stashing Burden for now, but if his snap share doesn’t increase over the next few weeks, it may be time to move on. The most likely path forward is Burden splitting slot reps with Zaccheaus or overtaking him outright, but even that may not be enough for consistent fantasy relevance.
Cole Kmet remains an every-down tight end despite the presence of Colston Loveland: Loveland was generally restricted to two-tight-end sets.
The Bears spent a first-round pick on Colston Loveland to pair with Cole Kmet, and the two saw nearly identical usage throughout the preseason, often used interchangeably. That changed in Week 1.
The tight end rotation was straightforward: Kmet played in all situations, while Loveland was primarily limited to two-tight-end sets. In some run-heavy packages, even third-stringer Durham Smythe took the field over Loveland. There were only a few plays where Loveland replaced Kmet outright.
As a result, Kmet’s snap share was slightly lower than it was late last season, but still higher than his early 2024 usage. He would be a priority fantasy add based on playing time alone, but his involvement in the passing game remained limited outside of one late 30-yard catch. Loveland caught both of his targets for 12 total yards.
Loveland is worth stashing, especially given his first-round pedigree and heavy preseason usage in all situations. He’s not a fantasy starter yet, but he has more upside for a future role expansion than fellow rookie Burden.
Miscellaneous Notes
- The Vikings had a very simple wide receiver rotation with Jordan Addison suspended. Justin Jefferson and Jalen Nailor played on every down, while Adam Thilen joined them in three-receiver sets. While Thilen was the slot receiver in Carolina, all three receivers lined up all over the field, similar to the Vikings’ wide receiver usage last season.
- Minnesota Vikings running back Zavier Scott was inactive with an ankle injury. Even if he was healthy, there was a chance he would be inactive because teams don’t typically have four halfbacks on the gameday roster.
Table Notes
• Snaps include plays called back due to penalties, including offensive holding or defensive pass interference. The other three stats have these plays removed.
• Targets may differ from official NFL sources. The most likely discrepancy would be from a clear thrown-away pass, where the NFL may give the target to the nearest receiver, while this data will not.• Carries are only on designed plays. Quarterback scrambles won’t count for the total number of carries in the game.
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