Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, October 6th, 2024, 1:00 ET
Location: Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois
Network: FOX
Carolina Panthers
Quarterback
Andy Dalton: Sit
Andy Dalton has looked incredible in his first action as a Carolina Panther—so good, in fact, that the Panthers have already named him their starter for the rest of the season. Dalton is a great story and a viable NFL option, but unless you are in 2QB leagues, he is not playing for you this week against a Bears defense allowing the fewest points to opposing QBs this season.
Running Back
Chuba Hubbard: Start, RB2
Miles Sanders: Sit
Chuba Hubbard has emerged as the Panthers’ go-to option on the ground while Jonathon Brooks works his way back from injury. It is a role that has been surprisingly valuable since Andy Dalton has taken over the team. He has another strong matchup this week against a Bears defense that is among the top 10 most points allowed to opposing running backs. He just misses the RB1 conversation for me this week (RB13) after seeing 26 and 22 opportunities in his last two games. Miles Sanders remains a firm sit in the meantime, reaching ten touches just once this season.
Wide Receiver
Diontae Johnson: Start, WR2
Xavier Legette: Sit
Jonathan Mingo: Sit
Diontae Johnson should be the only fantasy option among wide receivers for the Panthers in Week 5. Johnson feasted once again with the change at Quarterback and will continue to be the top option in the passing game. He has a tough matchup in Week 5, but the volume alone should make Johnson a viable option for fantasy managers, especially those who are without Amon-Ra St. Brown or others thanks to bye weeks. Xavier Legette is a wait-and-see for now. The rookie had a bit of a breakout performance in Week 4, and while the potential with Legette is enormous, this is not a matchup you should test, as the Bears have let up the seventh-fewest fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. This same rationale makes Jonathan Mingo a sit in Week 5 as well.
Tight End
Sit All
The Panthers don’t have many viable options in terms of pass-catchers for fantasy managers to get excited about, and tight end is way off the radar in Carolina.
Chicago Bears
Quarterback
Caleb Williams: Sit, QB2
Caleb Williams has improved as an NFL quarterback every week this season, but his fantasy production has left managers wanting much more. Williams’ transition into the NFL has not gone quite as planned, but he has a beatable matchup this week against the Panthers. In 1QB leagues, you should still look for other options, but he is a high-end QB2 option for those of you in 2QB or SF leagues.
Running Back
D’Andre Swift: Start, RB1
Roschon Johnson: FLEX Option
D’Andre Swift had the best game of his career last week against the Rams. He was leading the way on the ground and through the air. I don’t point chase, so it’s important to note that for Swift, the matchup is the reason he is in the top tier at the position. He should come back to earth and be a mid-range RB2, but in Week 5, he should be heading towards another BOOM week, as the Panthers allow the most points to running backs in the league. Roschon Johnson may benefit from game script and a soft defense in this one, and he comes in as a solid FLEX option as my RB27.
Wide Receiver
DJ Moore: Start, WR1
Keenan Allen: FLEX Option
Rome Odunze: FLEX Option
The Bears offense has disappointed many, but one thing is clear: DJ Moore is going to be the leading pass catcher on this team in fantasy football. In Week 5, Moore faces the Panthers, who are allowing over 20 fantasy points per game to opposing wide receivers. Moore should be the top target earner, even if Keenan Allen plays more snaps in his second game back from injury. The volume is going to continue to fluctuate for Keenan and Rome Odunze, but in beatable matchups like this one, I am fine rolling either out in a FLEX spot in your lineups. The talent is there for the entire trio. The only concern is how often this team will throw the ball.
Tight End
Cole Kmet: Start, TE1
Cole Kmet finds himself in the TE1 conversation again. Kmet will be an interesting study as a favorite sleeper for many in the fantasy football world in years past. In the last two seasons, the shine began to fade in what looked to be a loaded offense. Since then, the Bears have struggled, and Kmet has emerged as a safety blanket and playmaker for the young Caleb Williams. Though he was limited with a knee injury in Wednesday’s practice, Kmet has a good chance to come through as a TE1 against the Panthers, who allow the fifth-most points to the position.