Start’em or Sit’em in Fantasy Football: Bears v. Browns |
Ariana Pensy
· · 3 hours ago
CHICAGO - After the Chicago Bears’ loss to the Green Bay Packers, they will be looking to rebound against the Cleveland Browns on Sun. Dec. 14 (Noon / FOX). Unfortunately for fantasy owners, the weather forecast is not conducive to a lot of fantasy points.
Especially in the fantasy playoffs, it is important to start players with a high ceiling. Quarterback Caleb Williams has not been that player this season for fantasy owners. He has yet to throw for more than 300 passing yards and last week marked the fourth time this season Williams has thrown for under 200 passing yards. Furthermore, with the wind projected at approximately 20 miles per hour during the game, this will not be the game for Williams to have many passing yards. Therefore, this is another game to keep him on the bench.
Wide receiver Rome Odunze is currently listed as questionable after missing last week against Green Bay. However, his fantasy production has been poor almost every week since the bye week. Despite being targeted 15 times in his last two games, he only has five receptions for 61 yards. His completion percentage has been 33.3 percent in each of his past three games. Usually, target volume is a good measure of fantasy potential. However, that does not appear to be the case for Odunze. In addition, given the expected weather, it is a good time to keep Odunze on the bench.
Cold weather plus swirling winds equals relying on the run game. Ideally, Chicago wants to lean on their run game anyway. Swift and rookie Kyle Monangai are sharing the backfield. However, Swift still had 13 carries against the Packers. He also continues to be involved in the passing game with three receptions last week, giving him an extra advantage in points per reception (PPR) leagues. This week is a prime opportunity for Swift to have another explosive game, and with it being the playoffs, this is the kind of player you want in your lineup.
Monangai actually had one more carry than Swift last week. However, he only had 4.1 yards per carry, failed to score a touchdown for the first time since Chicago’s win against the Cincinnati Bengals and is not as involved in the passing game. Nonetheless, the Bears will continue to rely on their run game with both Swift and Monangai. His usage gives him a benefit that other players, especially in 10- or 12-team leagues, will not have. Therefore, if you are on a team with many teams, Monangai is a viable option.
Tight ends are difficult to start this season. However, Loveland has a touchdown in two of the last three weeks. He is getting targets and has a catch percentage of at least 80 percent in five games so far this season. Cleveland has only given up five touchdowns to tight ends this season, but Loveland’s upside in PPR leagues is in his production rather than his touchdowns. If you are in a PPR league and Loveland is available on the waiver wire, he might be a good pickup despite the weather conditions. Williams clearly trusts Loveland, and Loveland has emerged as the No. 1 tight end this season, as fellow tight end Cole Kmet only has 22 receptions this season.Caleb Williams - Sit
Rome Odunze - Sit Even If He Plays
D’Andre Swift - Start, Especially in PPR Leagues
Kyle Monangai - Start in 10 or 12-Team Leagues
Colston Loveland - Start in PPR Leagues?
