Fantasy Focus – Chicago Bears Offseason Moves
Dec 30, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) hands the ball off to running back Matt Forte (22) against the Detroit Lions during 2nd Half of a game at Ford Field. Bear won 26-24. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Yes it’s only April 1st and there are still a lot of things on the NFL calendar before you head to your fantasy draft, but strange things are afoot at Halas Hall and it could affect your draft come August. Sometimes being a homer pays off, like drafting Matt Forte in dynasty leagues or drafting Brandon Marshall before playing a snap for the Bears, but most of the time it doesn’t work out like picking up Devin Hester or trading for Jay Cutler. The moves that have taken place at Halas Hall since the final whistle blew against the Lions should make being a Bears fan drafting Bears players more productive for your fantasy teams this season.
1. Marc Trestman was hired as Head coach.
The Bears have not only a new head coach but an offensive one for the first time in what seems like forever. Before we start falling in love with the thought of an offensive explosion by the Bears all one has to do is remember just a few years ago when Mike Martz was hired and everyone was ready for a Jay Cutler offensive fantasy breakout that never really materialized. Trestman is proven to create offense and championships so of all the moves the Bears made this by far has to have biggest impact on the Bears players fantasy wise.
2. Jermon Bushrod is signed to play left tackle.
Left tackles do not score any fantasy points but this signing should have the biggest impact on the field of all the offseason moves. Having a LT that’s not giving up sack after sack will do wonders for all the Bears fantasy wise. Although J’Marcus Webb will be in the battle for right tackle not having him protect Jay Cutler’s blind side will give Trestman’s offense the time needed to be successful. Bushrod may not have been the best Tackle available, but he’s a major upgrade from Webb.
3. Martullus Bennett playing tight end.
Bennett put up some very good stats in New York after escaping the shadow of Jason Witten, and now he gets the chance to become an offensive force for the Bears. Of course after last season any production from the tight end position will be the first production since Greg Olsen left, but Bennett will be called on to make not just scoring plays in the end zone but plays to extend drives. This move will make all the Bears players better offensively and in fantasy. Look for Bennett to crack the top 6 in scoring of all NFL tight ends this season and his production will carry over to the rest of the offensive starters.
4. Jay Cutler will be a top 10 QB.
This seems to be my statement every season and then when the season is over Cutler is always around 16th best fantasy quarterback. The top three points of this post will make this point valid. Phil Emery has given Cutler everything he could ask for and now it’s time for Cutler to be as good as he possibly can be. Shanahan was able to get Cutler to realize his potential and to bring out his best on the field which followed through to the fantasy game, so look for Trestman’s offense with all the other pieces in place to give Cutler the opportunity to have the best season of his career and his first top 10 fantasy season since joining the Bears.
5. Matt Forte and Brandon Marshall will only get better.
The last point is Matt Forte will only get better in this offense after being a huge part of the Martz passing game he was forgotten in Mike Tice’s plan except for emergency drop-off passes. Forte though never suffering huge slumps didn’t put up the fantasy points that he usually does, but look for the best season of this career and a top 5 fantasy back. What more do we expect from Marshall this season after last year? How about more of the same! Making a trade for him before the season started helped carry me to a championship and now there’s nothing standing in his way of another great season in the Bears record books and a top 5 fantasy receiver.
Yes, I’m drinking the Bears Kool-Aid like I always do, but this will be the first year in fantasy that is it pays off when the starting QB,RB,WR,and TE all should be in the top 5 at best top 10 at worst at their positions. Being a homer on draft day will never be better!
What do you think? Will this finally be the season the Bears explode on offense?