Game Info
Kickoff: Monday, December 16th, 2024, 8:00 PM ET
Location: U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Network: ABC
Chicago Bears
Quarterback
Caleb Williams: Sit, QB2
Let’s not beat around the bush: Sunday’s trip to Santa Clara was tough for Caleb Williams and the Bears. After mustering only 4 yards of offense in the first half, Williams finished with just 134 total passing yards and 2 touchdowns in Week 14. The rookie will have another hostile environment in Week 15’s divisional road matchup against the Vikings, who allow the 11th-fewest points to QBs. Granted, Williams did have one of his best games as a pro against the Vikings just a few weeks ago, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see Minnesota make adjustments and make this a tough week for the first overall pick. Williams is a fine option in Superflex formats, but with all 32 teams in action, you should find another option in 1QB leagues.
Running Back
D’Andre Swift: FLEX Option, RB3
It’s not looking like a great matchup for D’Andre Swift in Week 15. Not only are the Vikings the third-toughest matchup for RBs, but as heavy underdogs on the road, it’s somewhat likely we’ll see the Bears going pass-heavy in the second half of this matchup. If Swift finds the end zone, he could return RB2/FLEX value, but it’s just as likely that he’ll bust against a defensive line that allows fewer than 4 yards per carry. Swift is essentially the only RB of value the Bears have, but he’s an incredibly risky play this week. Look for a couple of other RBs or a WR to fill your FLEX spot this week.
Wide Receiver
D.J. Moore: Start, WR2
Keenan Allen: FLEX Option, WR3
Rome Odunze: FLEX Option, WR3
While the Vikings are stout against the run, they allow plenty of points to receivers, the second-highest mark in the league. This bodes well for D.J. Moore and company, who will be looking to bounce back after a rough week against the Niners. Post-Waldron D.J. Moore has performed better after a rough start to the season, and he should continue to function as this team’s top option at receiver, giving him upside as a WR2 in Week 15, especially if the Bears find themselves deep in a hole early.
As for Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze, both profile as FLEX options but offer different things. As the veteran slot receiver, Allen offers the safer floor, while Odunze and his dynamic playmaking ability give him the higher ceiling, as we saw in last week’s multi-touchdown performance. These two are fairly close in my personal rankings–it’s all about your style as a manager and what archetype of player you prefer this week.
Tight End
Cole Kmet: Sit
Cole Kmet received zero targets last week and shouldn’t be trusted to help you advance in the fantasy playoffs.
Minnesota Vikings
Quarterback
Sam Darnold: Start, QB1
Sam Darnold was on absolute fire in Week 14, throwing five touchdown passes against the atrocious Falcons secondary. The Bears pose a tougher challenge, as they rank second in terms of fewest points allowed to QBs, but Darnold is playing the best football of his career and finished as the QB6 in the first matchup with Chicago on the road. Darnold has a great coach and supporting cast, meaning there is a strong chance for him to return QB1 numbers again in this divisional rematch.
Running Back
Aaron Jones: Start, RB2
Cam Akers: Sit
After a week of splitting the backfield work evenly three ways with Cam Akers and Ty Chandler, we saw Aaron Jones take control of the backfield again in Week 14. Jones reached 73 yards on just 13 carries and now gets a Bears defense that was just gashed by the likes of Isaac Guerendo and Patrick Taylor. Jones is a fine RB2 option this week and has a good chance to score for the second straight game. The other Vikings RBs should be left on waivers in all formats.
Wide Receiver
Justin Jefferson: Start, WR1
Jordan Addison: FLEX Option, WR3
The last time these two teams faced off, the Bears made it their complete focus to take Justin Jefferson‘s impact out of the game. The constant bracket coverage worked to an extent, as Jefferson posted a meager 2-27-0 line, but that coverage left room for the other Vikings pass-catchers to run rampant, especially Jordan Addison, who finished as the WR1 that week with an 8-162-1 line. I’d be surprised to see the Bears employ the same strategy in this rematch, so I’m confident in firing Jefferson back up as a WR1 this week while Addison remains a fun high-ceiling FLEX option. I’m comfortable playing him over other options like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Jayden Reed.
Tight End
T.J. Hockenson: Start, TE1
Much like Addison, T.J. Hockenson also benefitted from the Bears’ defensive plan in Week 12, posting his only game with over 100 yards receiving on the season. Hock is yet to find the end zone in 2024, but his talent and consistent target volume keep him in the back half of the TE1 ranks for the first week of the playoffs. He’s not an elite option like George Kittle or Brock Bowers, but he should provide steady production in your lineups this week and is preferable to the litany of streaming options available on the wire.