Saints @ Bears: Fantasy Football Forecast
If you’re still in the mix for the fantasy football title despite a pitiful performance by Drew Brees and Jimmy Graham last week…congrats! Don’t worry, this week should be better…I mean, it can’t get any worse right? RIGHT???
Quarterbacks should be fine this week and guarantee you a ton of points: this is how low the Saints’ and Bears’ defenses ranks against fantasy QBs this season:
Not enough? Ok, let’s go even further with our weekly fantasy scouting report and find the best matchups!
CHICAGO BEARS
QB
Like I said, Jay Cutler is an excellent start this week against a Saints defense that ranks among the worst in the entire league. In fact Cutler is Michael Fabiano’s “start of the week” among fantasy quarterbacks:
"Starting Cutler can be a scary proposition, but he is able to make some noise in the stat sheets when the matchup is favorable. That’s the case this week, as he faces a Saints defense that has been plain dreadful against the pass. In fact, New Orleans has surrendered an average of more than 20 fantasy points to home quarterbacks."
RB
Matt Forte’s 724 receiving yards make him a top-five fantasy running back on the season, even if he has yet to reach 900 rushing yards. Over the last four weeks Forte has 200+ yards in both rushing and receiving categories, as well as 3 touchdowns and a 2-point conversion. He should start in every league: the Saints allow the 3rd-most points to opposing running backs.
WR
With Brandon Marshall on IR now it’s time for Alshon Jeffery to be stared at by Cutler. Must-start. In case you’re wondering, Marquess Wilson is Marshall’s backup and while he will see a number of targets he’s not to be trusted yet. When he stepped in against the Cowboys last week in the second quarter of the game he wasn’t heavily involved and finished with just 19 receiving yards. He could be a sneaky sleeper considering the matchup but he’s not a safe bet.
TE
The Saints are allowing fewer than 6 points per game to opposing tight ends but you really can’t bench Martellus Bennett, especially with Brandon Marshall out for the rest of the season. He’s coming from two great games against the Lions (10.90 fantasy points) and the Cowboys (14.40) and I expect him to keep up the good trend this week.
K
Robbie Gould or Jay Feely? Doesn’t matter, neither should start for your fantasy team. Other kickers with better matchups: Shaun Suisham (@ Falcons), Nick Folk (@ Titans), Cairo Santos (vs Raiders).
D/ST
Bad weather could lead to some turnovers but it’s gonna be in all likelihood a high-scoring game so my advice is to stay away from the Bears’ D.
Dec 7, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham carries the ball during warmups prior to kickoff against the Carolina Panthers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
QB
Perfect opportunity for Brees to bounce back this week. Don’t be a fool and sit him because of his horrible game against the Panthers.
RB
Chicago’s D is average against the run and Mark Ingram should get a fair share of carries unless of course the Saints start the game with a couple of turnovers and are forced to abandon the run. Jesus, that was hard to watch.
Pierre Thomas usually goes BeastMode when he faces the Bears in Chicago, his hometown. This could be a nice game for PT, he’s decent Flex option in my opinion.
WR
Kenny Stills is the guy with more upsides with Joe Morgan out of the picture; plus, the Bears allow almost 25 points to fantasy receivers so I believe you can start Stills. Colston is too inconsistent so start him at your own risk.
TE
I know, you are soooo mad at Jimmy. His non-productivity over the last two weeks has been frustrating but here’s a good news for you: the Bears are dead-last against fantasy tight ends with 11+ points per game allowed. Yay!
K
Time to pick up Garrett Hartley again? Not so fast: Shayne Graham is still the man but he’s not scoring a lot of fantasy points lately. Add to the equation the good chance of bad weather and the result is simple: sit him.
D/ST
Noooooope.