Start’em or Sit’em in Fantasy Football: Bears vs Browns
Brad Mills - USA Today Sports

Start’em or Sit’em in Fantasy Football: Bears vs Browns


by - Correspondent -

CHICAGO - Fantasy owners have certainly enjoyed the return of quarterback Justin Fields and how it has been affecting DJ Moore.

Moore has a touchdown in two of the last three games and a total of 32 targets during that span. Going against one of the best defenses in the NFL, it will be paramount for many fantasy owners in the playoffs that he keeps this production up, and it seems that he will do so.

DJ Moore - Start If He Can Play

With the return of Fields, Moore has been getting a lot of fantasy production. He is the clear No. 1 receiver on the team and while he may be going against elite cornerback Denzel Ward who has been limited all week in practice, Moore will still get a lot of opportunities to get the ball. Further, the Browns defense has been faltering a bit in allowing points, giving up at least 27 points in each of the last three games. In order for the Bears to have that many points, Moore will need to be a huge factor. Thus, he is a definite start in line for another big game if he is able to play as he is currently questionable.

Justin Fields - Sit?

With the Browns giving up so many points, quarterbacks have been having big games against them as of late. Last time Fields faced the Browns it was his first career NFL start and while a lot has changed since then, one thing has not - Myles Garrett. If anything, Garrett has improved as a player and he will be coming after Fields once again. Further, the last time Fields had a game without getting sacked was back in December of 2022. Even in the game against the Minnesota Vikings earlier, when he was unable to finish because he dislocated his thumb, he was sacked four times. Garrett may not get 4.5 sacks, and the Browns may not have nine sacks like last time, but Fields will be under constant pressure in the backfield. He may be able to get the ball off to his favorite target, DJ Moore, a number of times, but he may not be able to put up the best fantasy numbers.

Still, it should be acknowledged that there is a case to start him if you believe the Browns defense as a unit is on the decline, which the past few games seem to indicate they might be.

Moore has a touchdown in two of the last three games and a total of 32 targets during that span.

Cole Kmet - Start Depending on Roster

The clear downside to Kmet is that he is in a touchdown drought. However, his upside is that he is getting more targets and receptions. Furthermore, last game he had 13.2 yards per reception, being that he is making his catches count. In addition, the Browns defense just allowed two touchdowns to tight end Evan Engram last week. Given those factors, not only could Kmet get a decent amount of yards for fantasy owners, but he may also get a touchdown for the first time since Chicago faced the New Orleans Saints back in the beginning of November. If Moore is unable to play, Kmet would most likely be the primary beneficiary target-wise.

Chicago Defense - Start

After three straight weeks of dominating performances in the turnover margin and increased pressure in the backfield, it seems safe to say that this Bears defense is one of the best in the league right now. They have 11 turnovers over the last three games and four sacks last game. Even though defensive end Yannick Ngakoue is out for the season with a broken ankle, Chicago should be able to keep up their pressure in the backfield with edge Montez Sweat most likely seeing more action and some young players needing to step up.

Everyone Else - Sit

There is not any other player worth starting on the Bears currently. The running back situation is a mess for fantasy owners as it is never clear from week-to-week who is going to be the primary back. Even if Moore is not able to play, there is no clear and obvious receiver that could step into the role of No. 1 receiver. Darnell Mooney would be the first person to come to mind. However, he has barely seen the ball all reason, showing a lack of chemistry between him and Fields. Any other receiver would be a complete shot in the dark.

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