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Projecting Zach Miller’s 2017 Fantasy Value

By Bill Zimmerman

Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Zach Miller (86) during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Zach Miller (86) during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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A look at Chicago Bears TE Zach Miller’s 2017 Fantasy Value

Over the last two seasons, Zach Miller has proven himself to be a reliable receiving threat for the Chicago Bears. While Jay Cutler definitely utilized him, it didn’t really matter who was throwing the football, Miller was catching them.

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However, Miller also had the same issue last year that seems to plague him every season- he can’t stay healthy. Miller fought through injuries and only missed one game in 2015, but missed six games in 2016. Despite only playing 10 games last year, Miller managed to catch 47 balls for 486 yards and 4 TDs. Those are solid per game numbers for a fantasy tight end, but the issue with Miller is and will always be health.

As of OTAs, Miller is still recovering from foot surgery and says he’s near 100%. While this injury is not expected to hamper him at the start of the season, it does prove that the injury narrative holds true.

Miller will again be a reliable target for Mike Glennon or Mitch Trubisky, as long as he’s on the field. However, the Bears did bring in Dion Sims to also play tight end and he will take some snaps from Miller. From the Bears perspective, Sims is a reliable TE that the Bears can utilize with Miller in two TE sets, but also have a reliable tight end if (when) Miller goes down with an injury.

With Glennon’s limited experience and the fact that Trubisky has none, Miller could develop into a nice safety net for both quarterbacks. Even if the QBs struggle, the wide receiver numbers should be far more affected than Miller at tight end.

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From your fantasy perspective, this makes Miller a low-end TE1 with tremendous upside if he’s on the field, but he also carries significant risk. Unless you are in a very deep league, you are better off taking Miller as a high-quality TE2 on your team so you aren’t crushed if he’s injured. If you do roll the dice on Miller as your TE1, make sure you have a quality backup, and not just Dion Sims on a handcuff.

Miller is a must draft in all leagues. I would call him a high-end TE2 in 10 and 12-team leagues and a low-end TE1 in 14 and 16-team leagues. In keeper and dynasty rosters, Miller is worth a roster spot, obviously, but move forward cautiously and consider all your options before you consider keeping him on your roster.

Zach Miller 2017 Projections- 12 games played, 51 catches, 526 yards, 10.3 YPC, 5 TDs

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