Chicago Bears Fantasy Football Rundown

Dec 22, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Martellus Bennett (83) stiff arms Philadelphia Eagles linebacker DeMeco Ryans (59) during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Bears 54-11. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

For the first time it what seems like forever, the Chicago Bears may just be a fantasy football go-to team in 2014.

Starters

Matt Forte

He doesn’t always get the credit he deserves, but one Matt Forte always does get is the job done.  Year in and year out he posts quality numbers both rushing and receiving and he’s in an offense tailor-made for his talents.  At age 28 he should have another great season ahead of him.

Brandon Marshall

At age 30 there are few more proven commodities than Brandon Marshall.  He has over 100 catches in five of his past seven seasons, never gone below 1,000 yards since his rookie year, and hasn’t missed a game since 2010.  It doesn’t get more reliable for a fantasy owner than that.

Reserves

Alshon Jeffery

The primary reasons that Alshon Jeffery is a reserve and not a starter are that his incredible breakout season in 2013 was just one season.  He hasn’t done it more than once yet and secondly it’s been proven that when Jay Cutler is on the field, Marshall is always the primary target.  That shouldn’t stop Jeffery from getting his share of the ball though.

Martellus Bennett

Everybody knows the Chicago Bears offense will run primarily through Forte and their stud receiving duo of Jeffery and Marshall.  At the same time their presence will create numerous opportunities for tight end Martellus Bennett, who has quietly put together back-to-back solid seasons as a pass catcher.

Sleepers

Jay Cutler

As fantasy sleepers go it doesn’t get much more interesting than Jay Cutler.  Looking at his arsenal and the offensive line that will be protecting him along with being in the same offense for a second year, things seem poised for Cutler to finally realize his vast athletic potential.  Naturally health and his own decision-making will decide how high he sails.

Ka’Deem Carey

With all due respect to Marquess Wilson, the high-ceiling second-year receiver, he won’t do much good for fantasy owners with Marshall and Jeffery on the field.  At the same time, the Chicago Bears will likely want to give Forte more breaks this season in order to rest his body.  That means extended playing time for rookie running back Ka’Deem Carey.  If he plays like he did at Arizona, the kid will surprise a lot of people.