Game Info
Kickoff: Thursday, November 25th at 10:30 AM ET
Location: Ford Field, Detroit, MI
Betting Odds: CHI -3.5, 41.5 total via Oddsshark
Network: FOX
Chicago Bears
Quarterback
Andy Dalton (Sit), Justin Fields (Sit, injury)
Justin Fields exited the Week 11 matchup against the Ravens with a rib injury. Andy Dalton was forced back into the lineup, and did Dalton-type things, finishing 11-23 for 201 yards and one touchdown. While the initial reports are “bruised ribs” for Fields, reports are that the quick Thursday turn-around will not give him enough time to recover. Expect Dalton to play, and even in a solid matchup, he cannot be trusted as a fantasy starter.
Running Backs
David Montgomery (Start, RB2), Khalil Herbert (Sit)
David Montgomery returned to the lineup in Week 9 and essentially sent Khalil Herbert to the bench. DMont has led the team in targets in each of the last two games, and while he has only managed 63 and 58 yards, the team clearly wants to feature him. Herbert saw just four carries in Week 9 and none last week, with a bye week in between. This week is a strong matchup for Montgomery, against a Lions defense that has allowed 17 touchdowns (10 rushing, 7 receiving) to running backs and 31st in the league defending the position. Expect heavy usage for DMont, with a great chance to score. Herbert played really well in Montgomery’s absence but he loses his value as a backup without opportunity. He is a strong stash however, try and find a spot for him on your bench if you can.
Wide Receivers / Tight Ends
Darnell Mooney (Start, Flex), Allen Robinson (Sit), Marquise Goodwin (Sit), Cole Kmet (Sit)
Darnell Mooney has slowly established himself as the primary option of this limited Bears passing attack. Mooney took a screen pass 60-yards to the house, breaking tackles and outrunning the defense for a fantastic touchdown. Coming into the season, Mooney was seen as a deep threat but the team has used Mooney in a variety of sets, including as a slot and with designed plays to get the ball in his hand quickly. Mooney is still a boom-or-bust option but for those managers looking for a solid Flex option, with upside, Mooney is a solid option this week.
One of the more disappointing storylines of the season has been the fall of Allen Robinson. ARob has sleepwalked through the entire season, failing to score for more than 11 fantasy points in any game, and seven games with 10-points or less. Perhaps a change of scenery will rejuvenate his career next season, but he isn’t a player that fantasy managers should trust. Mooney is the primary option, with ARob picking up the scraps of a limited passing attack.
Marquise Goodwin and Cole Kmet have flashed at times, but neither are great options this week despite the matchup. Both would be dart throws at best.
Detroit Lions
Quarterback
Jared Goff (Sit), Tim Boyle (Sit)
Jared Goff strained his oblique early in the Week 10 game against Pittsburgh and sat of the Week 11 game. Early reports are that Goff may healthy enough to play in Week 12 but he isn’t a great fantasy option. Goff has failed to score more than 14 fantasy points since Week 4, and his play is regressing. Tim Boyle made his first career start and finished with just 77-yards passing, completing just 15 of his 23 attempts. Expect another heavy run-based game plan for the Lions, and both QBs belong on your bench.
Running Backs
D’Andre Swift (Start, RB1), Jamaal Williams (Sit)
Over the past few weeks, D’Andre Swift has separated himself as the lead-dog in the Lions backfield, seeing a lion’s share of the opportunities, and while Jamaal Williams returned last week after missing three games, Williams saw just seven carries for 11 yards. The Bears have done a great job defending receiving backs, holding them to just 30-yards per game and allowing a single receiving score. However, Swift is RB4 in expected fantasy points, has eight Top 12 weeks and leads all running backs in targets and receptions. He is an easy RB1 this week.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Amon-Ra St. Brown (Sit), Kalif Raymond (Sit), T.J. Hockenson (Start, TE1)
The Lions’ passing attack has been concentrated around Swift and T.J. Hockenson. Hock leads the team in targets (73), receptions (54), and yards (499) but has scored just twice. Hock has finished as a weekly TE1 in 60% of his starts but also has a few games where he has essentially disappeared as defenses tend to focus on him. Still, Hockenson has managed 10+ fantasy points in four of his last five games. Expect another solid performance from the emerging tight end.
Both Amon-Ra St. Brown and Kalif Raymond have flashed at times, but the passing attack is limited and concentrated around its star players that neither can be trusted in weekly fantasy lineups. Both players are earning valuable experience as starters though, which could bode well for their long-term outlook. However, this week neither should be in your fantasy lineups.
-Marc Salazar (@oldsnake77)