Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, October 24th, at 4:25 PM EST
Location: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Florida
Betting Odds: CHI +10, 49 total via Oddsshark
Network: CBS
Chicago Bears
Quarterback
Justin Fields (Sit)
Since taking over the job from Andy Dalton, rookie Justin Fields has certainly not gotten off to the start he’d hope for. In last week’s loss to Green Bay, Fields threw for just 174 yards, completing 16 of 27 attempts for one touchdown and an interception. He did tally 43 yards on the ground on six carries, but with a date against Tampa Bay upcoming, Fields certainly does not have any fantasy appeal.
Running Backs
Khalil Herbert (Start, RB2), Damien Williams (Stat if active, RB2)
With David Montgomery placed on IR & Damien Williams out last week due to a positive COVID test, rookie Khalil Herbert stepped up in a big way. The Bears may have lost, but Herbert took on all 19 carries to the tune of 97 yards and a touchdown. He also caught two of only three running back targets for 15 yards. Granted the opponent isn’t favorable this week, but if you’re in an RB bind, you can roll Herbert out there again this week; pencil him in as an RB2. Regarding Williams, as of writing, it’s not clear whether or not he is returning this week, as he was still on the COVID list Wednesday afternoon. If he’s a go, you can deploy him as an RB2, but you’ll have to monitor his status into the weekend.
Wide Receivers/Tight End
Darnell Mooney (Start, WR3), Allen Robinson II (Start if you must, WR3), Cole Kmet (Sit)
In a game where the Bears will surely be trailing and playing catch-up, you can deploy Darnell Mooney and Allen Robinson II this week. Mooney has no doubt been the better receiver this year, which is super disappointing for A-Rob owners that have been hanging on these through seven weeks. In all honesty, he’s trending towards drop status with the lack of production he’s put out this year, and if you happen to have better options, I would be inclined to start them instead.
Tight end Cole Kmet remains on your league’s wire, as he has not been a factor by any means this season; 14 receptions for just 130 yards on 24 targets, with no touchdowns to show for it.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Quarterback
Tom Brady (Start, QB1)
All things considered, it was a down week for Tom Brady against the Eagles, where he completed 34 of 42 passes for 297 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. Even then, the Bucs won and are winners of three straight set to face Chicago on 10 days rest. Surely this time will have helped Brady heal the slight injury he has on his throwing hand. Confidently fire up Brady as a QB1 this week.
Running Backs
Leonard Fournette (Start, RB2), Ronald Jones II (Sit)
Leonard Fournette has truly stepped it up and made this backfield his in recent weeks. Regular Season Lenny continues to post solid RB2 returns, and while he hasn’t amassed 100 yards on the ground at any point this season, he has found the end zone three times in the last two games, and even has contributed in the passing game. Ronald Jones II has essentially fallen out of any fantasy relevancy he had coming into the season, and can be left on your bench. Giovani Bernard as well has not been a factor whatsoever as you may have hoped for in this high-octane offense.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Mike Evans (Start, WR1), Chris Godwin (Start, WR2), Antonio Brown (Start, WR3), Rob Gronkowski (Start if active, TE2), Cameron Brate (Sit), O.J. Howard (Start if Gronk is out, TE2)
This crowded, playmaking offense is a bit banged up, with Antonio Brown (ankle sprain) and Rob Gronkowski (ribs) not practicing as of Wednesday. You’ll need to monitor Brown’s status the rest of this week, but if he’s a go, you can confidently start him as a strong WR3 with WR2 upside, simply off the hot start to the year that he’s had. Gronk may not be ready to return to action yet, and if he is, you can start him. O.J. Howard had his best game of the season last week, catching six of seven targets for 49 yards and a touchdown, however, he too was a DNP yesterday (reason unknown). If you needed to take one last flier on Cameron Brate, this may be the week to do it should Gronk & Howard miss the game, but again, it’ll be a situation worth monitoring the next few days into Sunday; they are in the 4 pm slate so be aware!
That leaves a healthy Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, who are obvious must-starts against a Bears defense that has given up the 14th most fantasy points to WR’s on the year. Godwin hasn’t found the end zone since Week 2, and Evans is coming off a quiet week in the win against Philadelphia, but both will always have blowup potential in any given game.
-Matthew Cava (@cavaM_ Twitter & Reddit)