Fantasy football is officially back, we know Bears fans draft Bears players. Now I’ll tell you who to start and who to sit! Both PPR and non PPR leagues will be covered.
The Chicago Bears made splashes in free agency this offseason. Including upgrading the entire receiving corps, but are they worth a look in Fantasy? Lets start by breaking down who you should start week 1.
Starters
Jordan Howard: Howard is a no doubt week one starter. 276 carries, 1,122 yards rushing, and 9 TDs in 2017. How Howard with play Coach Nagy’s system remains to be seen. But against a Green Bay defense that allowed over 112 yards a game last year, I expect him to get a work load of carriers especially near the red zone. Definitely an RB2 or Flex starter.
Allen Robinson: Robinson still hasn’t caught a ball in a game from Trubisky, but I’m not concerned. The last time Robinson was healthy he had over 70 receptions, 800 yards and 6 TDs. He was brought in to be the number 1 receiver, expect him to be featured heavily in this new offense. Definitely a WR2 or Flex starter.
Trey Burton: Should be the Travis Kelce of the Bears new look offense. Don’t expect him to be the number 1 scoring TE in fantasy like Kelce. But do expect him to be targeted as Trubisky’s security blanket, and a red zone monster. Trey Burton I expect to be a top 6 TE this year. Definitely a TE1 option or a Flex Starter in PPR leagues.
Sit
Any other Bears receivers. Its just too early in the season for me to have any idea who else is worth stating from the receiving core. I love Anthony Miller and Taylor Gabriel, and heck maybe Kevin White is worthy of being on your fantasy roster. But I didn’t see enough in the preseason to feel comfortable starting any of them week one. If you have Robinson on your team, Miller would be a great handcuff option (God forbid). I support you drafting, and keeping Miller and Gabriel on your teams.
Play’em at your own Risk
Mitch Trubisky: Self explanatory, but we have no idea what this offense is capable of. I have Mitch on my team, but starting week one isn’t smart fantasy football. We all hope Mitch takes the Jared Goff leap, but lets wait and see. My prediction, he will be a reliable starter by week 4.
Bears Defense: Khalil Mack has us all salivating over this retooled Bears’ defense. I truly believe this Bears D (if healthy) will finish as a top 5 defense. But I wouldn’t start them until week 2 or 3 when both Smith and Mack are up to speed.
I will be your Bears and NFL fantasy expert all season long! So you can always respond to ask me questions on Twitter @MarkHespen