Only 8 more games in the Bears season, injuries have started to creep in. You need a big fantasy football win to make the playoffs. Which Bears players will carry your fantasy team this week? I’m your Bears Fantasy Expert.
The Bears host the Detroit Lions this week looking to extend their lead atop the NFC North. Injuries have affected this team, and most likely your fantasy team too. Here is who I like, and don’t like this week in you lineups.
Start
Defense/Special Teams: Last week I said “Nathan Peterman is starting. Nuff said.” Matt Stafford is coming to Chicago this weekend, that changes things… only a little. This Bears defense has been on a roll the past two weeks without Khalil Mack. Mack is expected to return this week with a healthy ankle. Last week the Minnesota Vikings set a franchise record for sacks against the Lions. The Bears should feast this weekend. Keep it simple they are the #1 Fantasy Defense don’t get cute. Definitely Start.
Jordan Howard: 4 rushing TDs over the last 3 games. Howard has been a go to weapon on the goal line. Last year at home against Detroit Howard had 15 carries for 125 yards and a TD. Kickoff temperature could be below 40 degrees. Look for Howard to get at least 15 carries and get involved in the passing game again. Definitely a RB2 starter.
Mitchell Trubisky: Trubisky crashed back to Earth in the fantasy football world last week. The late TD pass to Trey Burton saved his fantasy day from being a total disaster. Mitchell didn’t need to carry the team against Buffalo because the defense did that for him. The defense will need his help this week. Expect Trubisky to get back on track using his feet to open up passing lanes. Also if Robinson plays that will help… Definitely a QB1 starter.
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Sit
Taylor Gabriel: A sore knee isn’t a good sign for a WR who relies on his speed. If Gabriel was 100% healthy he would be a flex option starter. Gabriel has been average in 6 games and great in 2 games. Gabriel has only scored 2 TDs and BOTH were in the Tampa game. With Robinson possibly coming back, Gabriel wont see enough targets to make him worth the risk. That being said he is always a threat to catch a deep ball or two. But at this point in your fantasy season you need guaranteed production. Definitely a PPR Flex option in deeper leagues.
Play’em at your own Risk
Tarik Cohen: Cohen has entered the part of the season where its boom or bust. Last week Cohen had 1 catch for 8 yards, and 6 rushed for 5 yards. I said start him last week and he gave you that… Trust me I was mad at me too! The reason Cohen is here and Howard is simple, Howard role is being defined, Cohen’s has not. Cohen is a security blanket/3rd down back/Punt returner/slot receiver…His versatility makes him a boom or bust guy from here on out. Definitely a PPR Flex Starter in deeper leagues.
Trey Burton: The late TD saved his day. He is frustrating. Burton has a ton of upside in the redzone leading the team with 5 TD receptions. The only way you don’t start him at TE is if you have a better option. If you have a better TE option Burton is worth a look at Flex in PPR leagues.
I predict the Bears will take care of business against the Lions on Sunday. Trubisky will use his feet extend plays and find receivers down field. Howard will be leaned on and have his best day of the year so far, and the defense will swallow up Stafford. If you have more Fantasy questions hit me up on Twitter @MarkHespen.