Start’em or Sit’em in Fantasy Football: Bears vs Commanders |
With the Chicago Bears back in action this coming Sunday against the Washington Commanders (3:25 p.m. / CBS), it is time to put some Chicago players back in your lineup. Washington’s defense provides a good opportunity for the Bears’ offensive skill players to have a strong fantasy week.
Caleb Williams - Start In his last two games, Williams has thrown six touchdowns and one interception with a quarterback rating over 120. He also has 90 rushing yards, providing a little rushing upside. Playing Washington is a favorable matchup for him. If Jayden Daniels is unable to play for the Commanders, this may actually give him more of an upside since Chicago’s defense will better be able to contain Marcus Mariota, which in turn would allow the offense to be on the field more. Williams has been playing very well the past few weeks and the opponent offers a lot of upside, so he is a player that should be started in all formats. DJ Moore - Start With the exception of the Carolina Panthers game a few weeks ago, Moore has not put up the best fantasy numbers. However, the targets continue to be there as Moore has at least five targets in every game with at least eight targets in four of Chicago’s first six games. He has established himself as the No. 1 receiver for the Bears. But the best reason to start him is the matchup. Something about playing Washington speaks to Moore. In the five times he has played against them, he averages 90.2 yards per game (fifth most of any team he has played against) and five touchdowns, the most against any team he has played. Moore should be started in all formats, but especially points per reception (PPR) leagues. Keenan Allen - Sit, Unless in 12-Team Formats Besides Moore, any receiver on the Bears is a risk. Keenan Allen is coming off a two-touchdown performance in London against the Jacksonville Jaguars, making him an appealing option to start in fantasy. However, he still only has 14 targets in the last three games which is not sustainable. If you are in a 12-team league that is lacking a deep receiving room, Allen has the upside to make him worth starting in your fantasy league. Particularly with the receiver position getting ravaged with injuries, the upside is always beneficial. Nonetheless, for eight- or 10-team leagues where the rosters are deeper, there are most likely better options. Cole Kmet - Start If You Like Upside As a whole, the tight end position is horrible. Kmet has been incredibly inconsistent fantasy-wise. Against the Los Angeles Rams and Panthers combined, he only had six receptions for 91 yards. Playing the Jaguars, he had five receptions for 70 yards and two touchdowns. His play is all over the place, but upside for tight ends is highly valued. Furthermore, even with his inconsistencies, he is ranked No. 3 in fantasy points among tight ends in full PPR leagues. Kmet has a pretty low ceiling but if you are betting on upside, he should be in your starting lineup. At the very least, he should be claimed off the waivers as he is available in almost 40 percent of ESPN leagues and almost 30 percent of Yahoo! leagues. Chicago Defense - Start If Mariota Plays If Jayden Daniels is able to play on Sunday, then the Chicago defense should stay on the bench. If you have the Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos or Detroit Lions defense, Chicago should stay on the bench given the quality of offenses those teams are playing. However, if Daniels does not play and you do not have one of those defenses, consider the Bears. Mariota is not as mobile as Daniels, and while he put up good numbers against the Panthers, their defense is not on the same level as Chicago’s defense. They may be a good option if you are in need of a defense with a lot of upside this week.
