In the third installment of our “Chicago Bears Fantasy Football Preview” we take a look at the Chicago Bears wide receiver and tight end position this year.
Previous Positions: Quarterback | Running Back |
Wide Receivers
The Chicago Bears finally got their number one wide receiver that fans had dreamed of for years when they acquired Brandon Marshall from the Miami Dolphins in the 2012 NFL off-season. Marshall proved to be worth the draft picks the Bears gave up plus more last season as he became Jay Cutlers favorite target for the second time in his career.
The Bears didn’t stop there.xt
They drafted wide receiver Alshon Jeffery out of South Carolina with their second round pick. Jeffery gives Cutler another big physical target in the red zone and flashed a lot of potential last season for the Bears.
Now there’s a new head coach in charge, Marc Trestman, who is bringing a more uptempo styled offense to the Bears which should benefit Jay Cutler and his targets.
The expectations remain high for Brandon Marshall who set two Bears receiving records last season with single season receptions (118) and receiving yards (1,508). Marshall is primed for another big year as the teams top target.
Marshall is a lock as a solid receiver fantasy-wise and should be looked at around the second or third rounds, especially in PPR leagues.
While Marshall has already established himself as the man in Chicago, the ceiling is high for second-year receiver Alshon Jeffery who is primed for a breakout campaign in 2013.
Jeffery could be one of the bigger sleepers in fantasy football this season but he must produce. He has the talent to be a nice number two option. Last year Jeffery battled injuries as he started only six games and appeared in just 10.
He showed signs of breaking out throughout the year but was delayed by the injury bug. If there’s anyone I expect to break out this year it’s Jeffery. But then again injuries could become a problem for him.
As far as the other receivers go for the Bears, the only one I really see worth looking at in deep leagues is Earl Bennett. The former Vanderbilt teammate of Jay Cutler has shown signs of being a reliable option in years past especially in PPR leagues.
Last season Bennett struggled which makes me worry if he is worth adding to your team. Although he would be a nice bye week start or in deep leagues a potential number three receiver, especially with Devin Hester out of the mix in Chicago.
The Bears have struggled in recent years at the tight end position but that could all change this season with the addition of Martellus Bennett.
Bennett gives Cutler another big target down the field as well as in the red zone. That’s something the Bears struggled with since the departure of Greg Olsen.
While he’s not a top 10 fantasy tight end just yet, Bennett could be a late round steal for you if he’s there and you need a tight end. He’s certainly worth a backup spot on your roster. It could be a big year for Bennett if he can put together chemistry with Cutler.
2013 Projections:
Brandon Marshall – 107 receptions, 1,350 yards, 11 touchdowns.
Alshon Jeffery – 51 receptions, 730 yards, 3 touchdowns
Earl Bennett – 33 receptions, 405 yards, 1 touchdown
Martellus Bennett – 62 receptions, 615 yards, 5 touchdowns
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