Start’em or Sit’em in Fantasy Football: Bears vs. Cowboys |
Ariana Pensy
· · 5 hours ago
CHICAGO - While it was painful to watch the Chicago Bears against the Detroit Lions last week, it was not a bad fantasy day.
Wide receiver Rome Odunze went off for seven catches, 128 receiving yards, and two touchdowns. Quarterback Caleb Williams also had a decent fantasy performance, even though his rushing yards were down. The Bears are facing the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. Sept. 21 (3:25 p.m. / FOX), this is a game where Chicago’s players could increase their production. Caleb Williams - Start According to ESPN, Williams is ranked No. 10 among quarterbacks in fantasy points. His rushing yards went down in week two, although that is probably part of the fact that the game got out of hand for Chicago. What is not in dispute is that the offensive line is still struggling, Williams will need to scramble throughout the season, and he is playing the team that gives up the second-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Dallas also gives up the third-most rushing yards to quarterbacks, so Williams’ rushing upside should really show in this game. Rome Odunze - Start At this point, it does not matter who the Bears are playing. Until proven otherwise, Odunze is the No. 1 receiver for Chicago. With 20 targets through the first two weeks, Odunze provides fantasy owners who value consistent production a safe floor. He is also leading the league in receiving touchdowns with three, so Williams is also looking for Odunze in the end zone. Furthermore, this is a favorable matchup as the Cowboys give up the second-most fantasy points to wide receivers. If you are in a guillotine league, watch for Odunze to become available on the waiver wire - if he becomes available, he is someone you want to have in your lineup for the rest of the season. DJ Moore - Start If Willing to Take a Risk If you are a DJ Moore fantasy owner, you are probably disappointed with his production through the first two games. Moore is currently third in targets and second in receptions on the Bears. He has yet to record a touchdown and only has a total of 114 receiving yards. This lack of production is not what you were looking for based on where you probably drafted Moore. However, this is a favorable matchup. So, it could be an opportunity for Moore to go off. That is a bit of a risk. But, if you like the upside and he is the best option based on your roster, then he is not a bad start. D’Andre Swift - Sit If You Have Better Options There are not many running backs who are the clear No. 1 back on their team. However, Swift is in that position with Chicago. Theoretically, that should mean he has a lot of fantasy production. That is not how the season has panned out to this point. Swift has 29 carries for 116 yards, averaging four yards per attempt. He had his first rushing touchdown of the season against the Lions, but has still not become the reliable bellcow he was expected to be this season. This matchup is also not as favorable for Williams and the receivers, as the Dallas defense ranks No. 15 in rushing points allowed to running backs. He does have a little more upside in points per reception (PPR) leagues since he has three receptions in each of the first two games. Therefore, if you need a back with some decent production, Swift is not a bad start. But if you have players with a higher upside, Swift is also not a good option to keep on the bench. It is worth noting that Swift was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday due to a quad injury. So, assuming he is able to play, he may not be at 100 percent. Anyone Else - Sit There is no one else on Chicago’s roster currently worth starting. Wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus is worth keeping an eye on if you are in a 12-team or 14-team league, especially a full PPR league, since Zaccheaus is second on the team in targets. Thus, Williams has shown he wants to get the ball to Zaccheaus. Still, he is not worth starting yet. Neither of Chicago’s tight ends has emerged as a startable player, and kicker Cairo Santos and the Bears’ defense are not even close to being worthy of being on a fantasy roster.
