Bears @ Panthers
The Bears defense started to come alive last week, and that trend continued as Chicago harassed Teddy Bridgewater all game long. It started with an early pick that led to a Cole Kmet touchdown. There were only field goals for the rest of the half, leading to a 13-6 score at the break. The Bears created another takeaway in the second–a forced fumble–but gave it right back thanks to a Nick Foles pick. After Carolina missed a field goal, Chicago went on a long drive for their final touchdown. Carolina was driving with time running out, but another Bridgewater interception ended it. The Bears move to 5-1 while Carolina falls to 3-3.
Chicago Bears
Quarterback
Nick Foles: 23/39, 198 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT | 5 carries, 4 yards, 1 TD
Nick Foles was–well–Nick Foles. I definitely wouldn’t call this a great, or even good, performance. The offense, as we’ve grown accustomed, played it safe all day. Foles’ best throw came early when he somehow snuck the ball into what looked like triple coverage to hit Cole Kmet for his first career touchdown. The worst decision was a bad interception on the first play after Chicago had forced a Mike Davis fumble. With Foles behind center, this will remain a low-volume passing attack. Still beats Trubisky though.
QB sneak TD for @NickFoles! #DaBears
📺: #CHIvsCAR on FOX
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/nrm6deI4Td pic.twitter.com/BlFNQ9BkRm— NFL (@NFL) October 18, 2020
Running Backs
David Montgomery: 19 carries, 58 yards | 5 targets, 4 receptions, 39 yards
This was the matchup David Montgomery truthers were waiting for. Carolina had been giving up 100+ yards per game to opponents, and Montgomery dominated the touches in this backfield. If ever he was going to succeed, this would be the time. Well, Montgomery once again fell flat. He rarely had space to move and he failed to break big plays when he did see space. The numbers were padded by some nice late runs to run the clock out. Montgomery is useful week to week because of the volume, but he’s not someone I’ll ever be excited about. He could look solid behind an excellent line, but that’s not what the Bears have. As such, he is useful but frustrating.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Allen Robinson: 9 targets, 5 receptions, 53 yards
Darnell Mooney: 5 targets, 3 receptions, 36 yards
Cole Kmet: 2 targets, 2 receptions, 20 yards, 1 TD
Jimmy Graham:Â 8 targets, 5 receptions, 34 yards
Allen Robinson remains the one name to start here in a redraft at wide receiver, despite a quiet day. Robinson saw six of his targets in the fourth quarter, so things could have been even worse. These kinds of days happen, and we can be thankful it wasn’t even worse. Darnell Mooney continues his claim to the team’s WR2 spot, and he would have a much greater value if this offense was more prolific. Still, he is an interesting hold in dynasty leagues given the early production and his speed. Anthony Miller seems like the odd man out, and he may need a change of scenery to revamp his career. I still see potential there. Jimmy Graham remains the most targeted tight end and he still makes sense as a streamer in better matchups. Finally, a special shoutout to Cole Kmet who scored his first career touchdown. He found a crack of space in the endzone and caught the pass from Foles while a swarm of defenders encircled him. Kmet is not on the fantasy radar.
In traffic, what a TD for hometown kid, @ColeKmet! 🤩
📺: FOX#CHIvsCAR | #DaBears pic.twitter.com/Yui3oiEydu
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) October 18, 2020
Carolina Panthers
Quarterback
Teddy Bridgewater: 16/29, 216 yards, 2 INTs, 4 sacks | 8 carries, 48 yards
Teddy Bridgewater was running for his life today. All things considered, I thought he played well and he is someone I am watching as far as streaming options go. His first interception came early with the Panthers deep in their own territory. He targeted Robby Anderson–despite tight coverage–and the ball was popped up into the air. Bridgewater’s second interception came on the Panthers’ final drive. Despite some mistakes, Bridgewater handled the pressure well and he was clearly the better QB in this contest. He is also a solid scrambler when things fall apart.
Running Backs
Mike Davis: 18 carries, 52 yards, 1 TD, 1 fumble | 3 targets, 2 receptions, 3 yards
Trenton Cannon:Â 3 carries, 12 yards | 2 targets, 2 receptions, 15 yards
Despite the meager numbers, I was impressed by Mike Davis. Sure, his time is limited with Christian McCaffrey coming back soon. He was a great pickup, though, for those that took the plunge. Davis is a patient runner, and he worked well with the little bit he was given today. It felt like he could have broken some plays if the Carolina O-line just held off the defense a little better. That being said, the fumble was bad. Davis had the ball popped out deep in his own territory. Fortunately, the Panthers picked off Foles on the next play to undo the mistake. Still, it was a mistake no back should be making. Davis continues as a great starting option until McCaffrey is back.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Robby Anderson: 5 targets, 4 receptions, 77 yards
D.J. Moore: 11 targets, 5 receptions, 93 yards
Keith Kirkwood:Â 2 targets, 1 reception, 13 yards
Ian Thomas:Â 1 reception, 9 yards
Chris Manhertz:Â 1 reception, 6 yards
Alex Armah:Â 1 target, 0 receptions
Robby Anderson was covered tightly today, but he made the most of his targets on his way to a still-solid day. Anderson’s best catch came about halfway through the third quarter. Bridgewater targeted him deep, and he laid out to save the play.
ROBBY ANDERSON WR1 pic.twitter.com/WG8XfVIeNO
— PFF Fantasy & Betting (@PFF_Fantasy) October 18, 2020
Anderson did well considering the defense he was facing, and I am still full speed ahead on him. DJ Moore had an up-and-down performance hidden by the final stats. He had an almost-touchdown that he dropped and another pass bounced off his hands. Moore could have had a much bigger day. His best catch came in the third when–despite tight coverage–he pulled down a well-thrown ball for a 38-yard gain. Like Anderson, Moore will be even better against weaker opponents.