Start’em or Sit’em in Fantasy Football: Bears vs Chargers |
Bears fantasy owners have now gotten a chance to see what a week with
Tyson Bagent at quarterback looks like. While he is still not a viable start option, there are a number of other players worthy of consideration.
DJ Moore - Start DJ Moore is a guaranteed start in any league, no matter your roster or the matchup he is in. It does not matter with Bagent at quarterback; Moore is getting the ball. That is something that was proven by last week. He had eight receptions, tied for a season-high, for 54 yards. That may not have gone well for non-points-per-reception (PPR) teams, but he still averages almost 100 yards per game. Moore has gone two games now without a touchdown. But the Chargers are the worst passing defense in the NFL, allowing an average of 8.1 yards per reception. Further, they are tied for allowing the fourth-most receiving touchdowns. This should be a good game for Moore, making him an automatic start.
Roschon Johnson - Start If Available
The Chargers have allowed six rushing touchdowns so far this season, but the Bears have only scored five rushing touchdowns (two of those coming against the Las Vegas Raiders last week). Still, the Bears have always been a team that relies on the rushing game, and especially with a young quarterback, if Johnson can play and be the No. 1 back, he should be started. However, while he is questionable, keep him in your flex.
Cole Kmet - Sit
If there is anyone whose fantasy value is being hurt by having Bagent in at quarterback, it is Kmet. Last week against the Raiders was the first time since Kmet’s rookie season in week three of 2020 when he did not have a single target. However, in that game, he was only on the field for 32% of the offensive snaps. Against the Raiders last week, he was on the field for 89% of the offensive snaps. Bagent likes to spread the ball around, yet never targeted Kmet, which says there is a definite lack of chemistry there. Kmet should most certainly be benched until Justin Fields is the starting quarterback again.
Darnell Mooney - Start In 12-Team Leagues?
Mooney is not worth starting in 8- or 10-team leagues because of his inconsistency. But, with bye weeks and injuries, Mooney is worth considering if you need a flex player. He was targeted five times, the most since the season-opener, and had four receptions, tied for a season-high. His 32 yards are not great, so there are probably better options in non-PPR and even half-PPR leagues. However, in a full PPR 12-person league, Mooney is worth thinking about if you need a flex option. If not, he would not be a bad waiver wire pickup if you have room on your bench.
D’Onta Foreman - Start If Johnson Can’t Play?
I cannot say to bench Foreman again after his three-touchdown performance. However, if Johnson can play, Foreman would not be the No. 1 back and should be benched. But on the flip side, if Johnson is still not able to clear concussion protocol, then Foreman is someone who could be worth starting. In all fairness, the Raiders are a worse run defense than the Chargers are. But still, he was getting the red zone carries, and if that continues, he is a player with a lot of upside.
Bears Defense - Not a Bad Idea
I keep saying that the Bears' defense is not a bad option if you need a defense. They have allowed 20 points or less in the last three games and under 14 points in the previous two games, which nets a decent amount of points. They are tied for the best run defense in the NFL, only allowing 3.4 yards per carry. The defense is also starting to get healthy, leading to more turnovers. The Chargers, with all of their talent, have only scored 17 touchdowns this season, which is No. 11 in the NFL. Their weakness, however, is that they have allowed 14 passing touchdowns this season, where the bulk of the Chargers get their touchdowns (11 out of 17). The Chicago defense is worth considering, but also be open to other options.
