FREE 09/08 NFL Cheat Sheet: Top MNF DFS Plays

Alright, Week 1’s Sunday Night Football was a wild ride, with Lamar, Henry, and Allen going off. Don’t expect that kind of fireworks tonight, but Monday Night Football still delivers a solid divisional showdown between the Bears and Vikings. This one’s got some real DFS intrigue despite the 43.5-point total. The Vikings are slight 1.5-point road favorites, which tells you this could be a tight one. Weather doesn’t appear to be a concern tonight; focus on matchup and usage.

Both these teams have some high-upside weapons, and with playoff aspirations in 2025, this isn’t just another game. We’ll need to dig into who’s getting the volume and who has the best path to a big performance in a projected lower-scoring affair. Every touch, every target is going to matter more in this type of environment for DFS purposes. Let’s dive into the top Captain and Flex plays for Monday’s showdown slate!

Top Captain Plays

J.J. McCarthy ($13,500)

J.J. McCarthy faces a favorable matchup against Chicago, and his 27.63 DK point projection provides immense upside at the captain spot. His 1.5x captain multiplier ($13,500) maximizes his ceiling potential, especially considering his 2.05x value and 34.8% optimal rate, making him a cornerstone for winning lineups. The moderate 9.7% ownership for a player with this kind of projected output offers a significant leverage play on a slate where a high-scoring passing game is expected.

Honorable Mention

• Caleb Williams ($13,800)

Top UTIL Plays

1. Justin Jefferson ($10,800)

Justin Jefferson ($10800) projects as our top play for tonight’s slate. Jefferson continues to command elite target volume as he avoids the injury report and prepares for a full workload against the Bears. His 52.9% optimal lineup percentage speaks to his consistent high-end production and the significant role he plays in the Vikings’ offense, especially with a first-year starting quarterback who will lean on his top receiver.

Tonight’s matchup against the Bears provides a favorable environment for Jefferson to exceed his projection. The Vikings’ implied total suggests multiple scoring opportunities, and Jefferson’s red zone usage ensures he’s a primary target for touchdowns. His 1.67x value projection indicates his strong potential to return significant fantasy points, making him a cornerstone of winning DFS lineups despite his high ownership.

2. Aaron Jones Sr. ($7,400)

Aaron Jones Sr. faces a Bears defense allowing 4.7 yards per carry to opposing running backs, and his role in the Vikings’ high-powered offense keeps him heavily involved in both the run and pass game. His red zone usage remains elite, consistently converting scoring opportunities, and the Vikings’ implied total of 25.5 points suggests multiple chances for him to find the end zone.

Jones’s consistent double-digit fantasy performances solidify his high floor, and his ability to break off long runs creates a massive ceiling against a Chicago defense that struggles with containment. His projected ownership of 41.7% reflects the confidence the field has in his Week 1 performance, and his optimal lineup percentage of 46.15% highlights his consistent inclusion in winning lineups.

Honorable Mentions

• DJ Moore ($9,600)

Bargain Bin

Olamide Zaccheaus ($2,000)

Olamide Zaccheaus found the end zone in the Bears’ preseason victory, showcasing his ability to make big plays. His $2000 salary provides unparalleled salary relief, making him a critical piece for unlocking high-priced studs across your lineup. This optimal lineup percentage of 32.1% highlights his critical role in top-performing DFS rosters.

Zaccheaus faces a Vikings defense that could present opportunities for the Bears’ receiving corps, and his recent touchdown demonstrates his nose for the end zone. His low salary allows for significant roster flexibility, enabling you to build a high-upside lineup with multiple elite options.

Honorable Mention

• Bears ($3,400)

Make sure to check the Lineup Optimizer for latest updates before lock. Visit DFS Hero for our full suite of DFS tools including the Lineup Optimizer, Contest Simulator, Player Projections, and Ownership Projections. Use code HEROPLAY15 to get 15% off your first month!