Game Info

Kickoff: Monday, November 16th, 8:15 PM ET

Location: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL

Betting Odds: MIN -2.5, 44.5 total via Oddsshark

Network: ESPN

Minnesota Vikings

Quarterback

Kirk Cousins (Sit, QB2)

There are weeks when Kirk Cousins is a viable streaming option, but this is not one of them. The Vikings will lean on Dalvin Cook once again to try and control the clock against this insipid Bears offense. He will need to move the sticks on occasion for sure, however, 24 completions from 34 pass attempts for just 380 yards do not scream “Start” against a tough Bears unit. He has thrown for 4 passing TDs in that time, however, 2 of them were check-downs that Cook worked his magic with to take for long scores. If you need to start him, do so hoping Cooks does something similar or that the Vikings fall behind big early.

Running Backs

Dalvin Cook (Start, RB1), Alexander Mattison (Sit)

This man is my RB1 – over the past two weeks, Dalvin Cook has totaled 478 scrimmage yards and 6 touchdowns against the Packers and Lions as he looks to complete the route over the NFC North’s rushing defenses. Cook has broken all kinds of franchise records in recent weeks and is the focal point of this offense. The improvement in the Vikings offensive line is key here also. Cook has now scored TDs in each of the 7 games he has played this season, 4 of them being multiple touchdown outings. I could say to you that the Bears have only allowed Ronald Jones to top the 100-yard rushing mark this season, but it makes no difference. Cook is the NFL’s leading rusher for a reason…because he is the best.

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends

Adam Thielen (Start, WR2), Justin Jefferson (Start, FLEX), Irv Smith Jr. (Start, TE2)

Danger, Adam Thielen is a popular start this week! However, he has fewer than 6 fantasy points in his last 2 games, and this Bears defense has only allowed one top-20 WR in fantasy this season. Given the low passing volume Cousins is currently dishing out don’t expect miracles from Thielen this week. A better start is rookie Justin Jefferson as a FLEX play – the sensation out of LSU has been hands down the most exciting receiver to watch out of this draft class. He made a mockery of the Lions secondary last week and should have some joy going up against fellow rookie Jaylon Johnson in Chicago. My cheeky start of the week is emerging tight end Irv Smith Jr – coming off a 2 TD week last week, it is clear that Gary Kubiak wants to get the young star out of Alabama more involved in this offense. He now has 10+ fantasy points in 3 of his last 4 games and this Bears defense has allowed a receiving TD to a TE in the last 3 games.

Chicago Bears

Quarterback

Nick Foles (Sit, QB2)

I just can’t recommend starting any Bears quarterback with the names in this room. Despite the healthy matchup, Nick Foles has been derisory since taking over from Mitchell Trubisky. The stats do point to a fantasy upside, however. Foles has multiple touchdown passes in his last 2 games, throwing for at least 260 yards with at least 40 attempts in his last 3 games. And with the Bears running backs doing literally nothing on the ground, he has no choice but to air it a little more to his promising young receivers. There is just not enough confidence inconsistency, however. Sit and go with your other options.

Running Backs

David Montgomery (Sit, FLEX if active), Lamar Miller (Sit), Ryan Nall (Sit)

High volume, zero success is putting it kindly. David Montgomery has been pedestrian at best and will be touch and go coming out of the concussion protocol in time for Monday night. The Vikings are actually very good upfront, allowing just 4.2 yards per carry and only 5 rushing TDs this season. If Monty doesn’t suit up then I wouldn’t be trusting any of the replacements named above. If he does suit up, leave him in your FLEX position through the weekend and only start if desperate.

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends

Allen Robinson (Start, WR1), Anthony Miller (Start, WR2), Darnell Mooney (Start, FLEX), Jimmy Graham (Sit, TE2)

Allen Robinson ranks 9th in total fantasy points amongst wide receivers so far this season and the Vikings hold the 3rd-highest average fantasy points allowed per game against the position.  The young Vikings secondary are certainly learning on the job and are currently giving up the 3rd-most receiving TDs in the NFL. That bodes well for Robinson to ball out once again despite poor quarterback play. It should also allow Anthony Miller to shine as Mike Zimmer will no doubt ask Harrison Smith and Anthony Harris to help out against Robinson. Miller has seen 19 targets thrown his way over the past 2 games after only seeing 17 total looks in his previous 4 games. That points to a better understanding with Foles. Darnell Mooney is the exciting wildcard in this offense – he led the Bears in targets last week and has established himself as a FLEX option with a huge upside.

Jimmy Graham has TE2 potential after hauling in another score last week to take his total to 5 on the season. However, the Vikings have only given up 2 scores to TE this season.

-Benjamin Haller (@benjaminhaller1 on Twitter)