Overview

• Johnson says he will stick to plays that worked in practice and focus on efficiency rather than showcasing his full playbook in his debut.
• D’Andre Swift is positioned as a focal point, with PFF noting Johnson’s history of featuring running backs in the passing game and Swift’s strong reception profile under him.
• Braxton Jones was named the starting left tackle, with Johnson emphasizing that the spot remains under ongoing evaluation.
• Minnesota ranked No. 2 against the run last season and consistently generated pressure, though PFF notes Williams performed well versus Vikings blitzes in last year’s Chicago meeting.
• Rookie J. J. McCarthy makes his NFL debut for Minnesota alongside Justin Jefferson and T. J. Hockenson, while Chicago counters with defensive additions Grady Jarrett and Dayo Odeyingbo to bolster run defense against Aaron Jones.