With the Chicago Bears playing the New England Patriots on a short week, it is important to start and sit the right players on Chicago’s roster, as these decisions will set the tone for your fantasy week.
Bears running back Kyle Monangai still has not been able to return to practice after his turf toe diagnosis, affecting the fantasy value of D’Andre Swift since Roschon Johnson has not been much of a factor the past two weeks. However, with Caleb Williams back for another week at quarterback, the fantasy stock of all of Chicago’s pass catchers increases.
However, this is not an ideal fantasy matchup for any position. While the Patriots do not have a stout defense, their defense still does not allow too many fantasy points. Therefore, this has
the potential to be a low-scoring fantasy affair. So, who should you trust to put up solid fantasy points this week?
Start: QB Caleb Williams
For how well Caleb Williams played last week against the Atlanta Falcons, he actually did not have too many fantasy points. He only had one touchdown and barely ran the ball. However, that does not mean he should go on the bench. With notable fantasy quarterbacks such as Josh Allen, Trevor Lawrence and Jayden Daniels on bye along with other quarterbacks who are dealing with injuries, it is important to start someone reliable and William is reliable. It is quite rare for Williams to not have at least one passing touchdown a game and he should be able to run the ball more in this game than he did against Atlanta. He probably will not have 30 points, but he will at least hit his projection for the week.
Sit: WR Rome Odunze
Much to the frustration of Rome Odunze fantasy owners such as myself, he is simply not producing. Last week against the Falcons, he was only targeted four times and had three receptions for 39 yards. That little production is not worth putting in the starting lineup, even with all the receiver injuries and players on bye. Odunze is someone to keep on the bench until further notice.
Start: WR Luther Burden III
Especially in PPR leagues, Luther Burden is a solid fantasy receiver. Against Atlanta, he had eight receptions for 95 yards, which resulted in a good day in fantasy. While the Patriots are not the best matchup for wide receivers, they have actually allowed a decent number of touchdowns to receivers. Between the targets Burden is getting and the touchdown upside he has against New England, Burden is a must-start, especially in PPR formats.
Start: RB D’Andre Swift
This is an easy one given D'Andre Swift is a top-10 running back according to ESPN. He is averaging 17.3 points per game in full PPR leagues and had two rushing touchdowns against the Falcons last week. Swift also continues to get action in the receiving game, giving him upside in PPR leagues. But, no matter what format you have Swift in, he has to be in your starting lineup, especially since it looks like Monangai is going to be out another game.
Sit: TE Colston Loveland
Colston Loveland actually had a really good game against Atlanta with six receptions for 65 yards and a touchdown. Caleb Williams has said he is going to continue to target Loveland, which is a positive sign for his fantasy value. However, New England happens to be one of the best teams in the NFL against tight ends and they have only allowed one touchdown to tight ends. With how Loveland has performed most of the season, this seems like a good game to keep him on the bench.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Fantasy football starts and sits for Chicago Bears players in Week 7
