As we near the start of the NFL season, many fans are now drafting their fantasy teams. As enjoyable as fantasy football is, it can even be more fun if you draft players from your favorite team.
Hence, here are my projections of the fantasy value of a few notable Bears players going into the 2018 campaign:
MITCHELL TRUBISKY
Trubisky is a low-risk option at quarterback this year, given that he may not even be drafted in some fantasy drafts. However, that isn’t to say that Trubisky doesn’t belong on your roster. He has massive upside, with a new coaching staff that will focus on a pass-first offensive mentality.
Last year, Trubisky’s best option at receiver was Kendall Wright. This year is different. Trubisky should be given more opportunities to show off his arm this season, which will help fantasy owners rack up some points. Don’t expect Trubisky to be a top five, or even top ten fantasy quarterback, but expect him to perform well above his fantasy value.
He will not be the same Mitchell Trubisky that was seen last year.
JORDAN HOWARD
Expect Jordan Howard’s fantasy production to drop this season compared to his first two. In Howard’s first two NFL seasons, he was the focal point behind John Fox’s rather bland offensive style. For fantasy owners, this was perfect, given that Howard would often receive first and second-down carries.
This year should be different.
The Chicago coaching staff is looking to expand Trubisky’s role at the quarterback position, and more creative play calling will lead to Tarik Cohen taking some of Howard’s touches. Given that Howard is a below-average receiving back, he may be excluded from certain offensive situations this coming year. Jordan Howard will remain a solid NFL running back this season, but don’t be surprised if his fantasy numbers drop from last year.
ALLEN ROBINSON
Allen Robinson tore his ACL in Week 1 last year. It was a brutal loss for the Jaguars and fantasy owners alike, as the receiver from Penn State had burst onto the scene in years previous.
Compared to the two seasons in which Robinson flourished in Jacksonville, expect him to perform at a similar level.
Think about it: In those two years in Jacksonville, the offense relied heavily on the pass, as they did not have Leonard Fournette at this time. Similarly, the Bears should expand their passing game mightily this upcoming season, leading to a less productive rushing game. Don’t expect Allen Robinson to lead you to a fantasy championship. Instead, expect a player who should be a consistent WR2 option from week-to-week.
TREY BURTON
If one thing has been consistent for the Bears over the course of the past decade, it is the production of their tight ends. From Greg Olsen to Martellus Bennett to Zach Miller, the Bears have produced good offensive numbers from the position. This season, expect Trey Burton to contribute to this trend.
Burton was signed in free agency this past offseason to expand the offensive weapons to Mitch Trubisky’s disposal. He is built like a receiver rather than a tight end, so expect him to be a man-to-man nightmare for linebackers that cover him. This being said, Burton should be a primary target for Mitch Trubisky the entire season. He can be a top 5 tight end in 2018.
TARIK COHEN
Tarik Cohen is perhaps the biggest fantasy enigma on this list. One week he could post a special teams score along with 150 yards from scrimmage to his stat line, and the next week he may gain only 10 yards on only three touches.
Cohen is an electrifying talent, but his fantasy production will most definitely depend on his number of touches per game. In your fantasy league, draft Cohen in middle to later rounds and play him as a FLEX option when his matchup is favorable.
ANTHONY MILLER
Anthony Miller is the “sleeper” of this list. A second-round pick from Memphis, Miller has impressed throughout training camp and the preseason.
Most notably, he went up against multiple Denver Broncos and hauled in an impressive throw from Mitch Trubisky. Expect Miller to do well when he has a favorable matchup.
He shouldn’t be in your fantasy lineup on a week-to-week basis like Allen Robinson, but when he is going against a team with a poor secondary, don’t be surprised if he puts up huge numbers. Consider drafting Miller with one of your last picks in your draft, or even trade for him early in the season for a low round choice. He should play above his value in 2018.