Chicago Bears Week 5: Fantasy Forecast
Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Tight End
Martellus Bennett
The Black Unicorn has been the Bears most consistent receiving option so far, but with both Marshall and Jeffrey healthy for the first time since week 1, Bennett may see his targets decrease a bit this week. He’s been averaging over 9 targets a game so a slight decrease isn’t going to hurt his value enough to keep him out your fantasy lineup. If Bennett can stay healthy, he’s an every week start regardless of match up and on pace for a Pro Bowl season.
Projection: 12
Start: Yes
Defense / Special Teams
It’s been a long time since I’ve even considered starting the Bears D in a fantasy league, but they are the 13th ranked fantasy defense even after that debacle against the Packers last week. There aren’t many promising match-ups this week for defenses on the waiver wire (<50% owned), so this may be the week to give the Bears D a chance. I know last week was ugly, but after watching the Packers put up 42 points in only 3 quarters against the Vikings I don’t feel so bad about last week ‘s performance, at least the Bears stopped the run (48 yards). Starting the Bears D this week has more to do with Carolina’s struggling offense than anything else.
The Panthers have been unimpressive so far and may be without their top 3 running backs this week (Williams, Stewart, Tolbert). That leaves just a struggling Cam Newton (3 TDs in 4 games), rookie Kelvin Benjamin, and ex-Bear Greg Olsen as the only decent playmakers for the Bears D to worry about. The Bears D will probably need a turnover or two in order to make the fantasy play pay off, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they come close to 10 fantasy points this week.
Projection: 9
Start: Yes (if your desperate)
Individual Defensive Players (IDP)
Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Lance Briggs
The old warrior has lost a step (or three) and has only had over 5 solo tackles in 1 game this year (SF). His days of being a viable IDP in fantasy appear over.
Projection: 6
Start: No
Jon Bostic
With Shea McClellin still out (hand) Bostic will get his 3rd start at strong-side OLB. He had 13 tackles and 2 pass defenses in his first start but only 4 total tackles in his 2nd. That is due mostly to the fact that the Packers threw the ball almost three times more than they ran it. Despite missing most of their running backs, the Panthers aren’t a pass heavy team and there should be plenty of opportunities for Bostic to rack up a decent tackle total.
Projection: 10
Start: Yes
Kyle Fuller
The rookie is averaging just under 12 fantasy points per game in his three starts and this could be another big week for Fuller with the Panthers suspect offense and run-heavy attack. His league leading 3 INTs have gotten most of the attention, but Fuller is averaging 6.5 tackles per game and is a solid start even in IDP leagues that don’t require a DB starter.
Projection: 11
Start: Yes