Start’em or Sit’em in Fantasy Football: Bears v. Packers |
Ariana Pensy
· · 3 hours ago
GREEN BAY - The Bears' most important game so far this season is their matchup against the Green Bay Packers on Sun. Dec. 7 (3:25 p.m. / FOX); the winner of this game will be in first in the NFC North at the end of the week. This game is also quite an important matchup for fantasy owners. Whether you have already started your playoff run or are trying to get into a playoff spot, the Bears players on your roster could make or break your fantasy season.
Caleb Williams - Sit Quite frankly, quarterback Caleb Williams may not be worth starting in fantasy, no matter who the opponent is. Williams has yet to throw for at least 300 yards and has only had four multi-passing touchdown games this season. He may be leading the Bears to victories on the field, but his fantasy numbers will not lead you to victory. The matchup this week does not help as Green Bay allows the sixth-fewest points to opposing quarterbacks this season. Especially for such a pivotal time in the fantasy season, Williams needs to stay on the bench. D.J. Moore - Sit in Non-PPR Leagues Chicago’s top receiver, Rome Odunze, has been ruled out of this game with a foot injury. While it is a massive hole in the Bears’ passing attack that has already been struggling, the perception could be that this creates an opening for Moore. However, in his six games against the Packers, Moore has only one touchdown. What gives him more of an advantage in points per reception (PPR) leagues is the volume he historically gets against Green Bay. In his six previous matchups against Green Bay, Moore averaged six receptions and 81 yards, which is a solid day in fantasy, especially in 12- or 14-team leagues. With Moore now stepping into the role of the No. 1 receiver, this matchup could have some upside in PPR leagues. D’Andre Swift - Start Running backs D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai made a statement last week against the Philadelphia Eagles - they can be more physical than even the stingiest defenses. They also showed the ability for both of them to have a meaningful role in the offense and both have solid fantasy production. Swift finished last week with 18 attempts for 125 yards and a touchdown, along with one reception for 13 yards. Especially with Odunze not available this week, the run game will be crucial for Chicago to secure a victory. Green Bay happens to be one of the better run defenses in the NFL, but that does not matter with the use Swift is getting. Kyle Monangai - Start in 10- or 12-Team Leagues Monangai’s numbers were quite similar to Swift's last week, with 22 attempts for 130 yards and a touchdown. He is No. 8 in the NFL currently in yards per attempt with 4.9 and has played for 41 percent of Chicago’s offensive snaps. Monangai will continue to be involved in this offense and should put up solid fantasy numbers. However, Swift still has a slight edge as the No. 1 running back, meaning Monangai may not be the best start in leagues with deep rosters. Colston Loveland - Start With Odunze down, everyone will have to step up. Loveland seems like a prime target to get more attention from Williams this weekend as the two clearly have some chemistry. Over the last two games, Loveland has had 11 targets. He also had a massive leap from September and October to November. In November, Loveland had a 76.9 catch percentage with three touchdowns and averaged 14.5 yards per reception. He will be looking to keep that momentum going in December. Furthermore, with how difficult the tight end position has been this season, any player with this much upside at this position should be in your starting lineup.
