Bears Blitz

Published by Ryan Lester on October 10, 2013
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

We are hours away from the start of the sixth week of the 2013 NFL season as the New York Giants (five games) and the Chicago Bears (two games) try to stop their respective losing streaks. It’s also the kickoff for the sixth week of the fantasy football season. Here’s a look at players that should be in your lineups Thursday night.

Quarterbacks

Bears quarterback Jay Cutler is averaging 273.6 yards and a pair of touchdowns per game this season. The development of Alshon Jeffery and the addition of Martellus Bennett gives Cutler a full assortment of weapons. His success should continue against the G-Men. They have allowed 269.2 yards and 2.4 touchdowns per game through the air. Cutler is a very good start this week.

Giants quarterback Eli Manning is averaging 296.4 yards and 1.6 touchdowns per game. Unfortunately, he’s also averaging 2.4 interceptions per game. Without a capable running game, it will fall on Manning’s shoulders. The Bears are known for creating turnovers so Manning is a risky play. With his set of weapons, he’s also capable of putting up a big game. It depends on how risky you want to get.

Running Backs

Bears running back Matt Forte is a must start. He is averaging 115 total yards and 0.6 touchdown. He’s an elite back that fits well in Chicago’s system. He has a favorable matchup as the Giants have allowed 126 yards and a touchdown per game on the ground. Michael Bush isn’t getting enough work to merit fantasy consideration.

I would avoid both Brandon Jacobs and Da’Rel Scott. The Giants simply haven’t been able to muster a decent running game. If I had to choose one, it would be Jacobs.

Wide Receivers

The Bears have a pair of quality options at wide receiver.

Brandon Marshall is a lock. He is averaging 75.6 yards and 0.6 touchdowns.

Alshon Jeffery is averaging 97.2 total yards and 0.4 touchdowns. In his last two games, he’s averaging 162.5 yards and a score.

The Giants have struggled in pass defense making this a good opportunity for both Marshall and Jeffery.

The Giants have a trio of quality receiver options.

Victor Cruz should be in every lineup. He is averaging 94.6 yards and 0.8 touchdowns per game.

Hakeem Nicks is averaging 74.4 yards after catching nine passes for 142 yards last week. He is a solid fantasy option.

Rueben Randle is averaging 51.6 yards per game. He scored a pair of touchdowns last week among his six catches for 96 yards. He is a less attractive option than the other wide receivers in this game, but he’s worth a consideration.

Tight Ends

Bennett is good fantasy option against his former team. He is averaging 56.2 yards and 0.6 touchdowns. They Giants have allowed 12 passing touchdowns already.

Giants tight end Brandon Myers is dealing with an ankle injury. After combining for 140 yards and a touchdown in the first two games, he has averaged 22.7 yards in his past three. He’s not a recommended play.

Kickers

Bears kicker Robbie Gould has eight field goals and 13 extra points. The Giants have allowed 12 field goals and 20 extra points. He’s a solid option this week.

Josh Brown has four field goals and 10 extra points. The Bears have allowed 14 field goals and 14 extra points. The Giants offense has made it hard to trust Brown.

Defenses

The Bears have struggled defensively, but they are all about creating turnovers. They have 14 takeaways. The Giants have turned the ball over 20 times already. The G-Men also rank 30th in scoring offense with 16.4 points per game.

You may not get your bonuses for total yards allowed, but the potential for a defensive score offsets that. Chicago is a quality option this week for defense.

The Giants defense isn’t worth the risk. They have been bad.

Also check out Lester’s Legends Week 6 Fantasy Football Rankings.

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