Start’em or Sit’em in Fantasy Football: Bears vs. Vikings rematch

Rome Odunze is a must start for Sunday (Stephen Sylvanie - USA Today Sports)

Ariana Pensy · Correspondent · 2 hours ago

CHICAGO - This Sunday, the Chicago Bears will have their rematch against the Minnesota Vikings (Noon / FOX). Both teams are playing at a different level than in the season opener, but that can serve to benefit your fantasy lineup as Chicago’s offense has started to gel.

Caleb Williams - Potentially Sit

Head coach Ben Johnson and Williams himself have made it clear that having Williams run the ball constantly will not be a consistent part of the game plan. However, this is nonetheless an ability he has, and there is no team Williams has attempted more runs against than the Minnesota Vikings. He also has 116 rushing yards in the past two games. His rushing upside is undeniable.

However, there is a lack of passing yards, and the touchdown production is inconsistent. He has yet to throw for at least 300 yards in a game this season, and has only had three games with multiple passing touchdowns. That is not sustainable for fantasy production. Vikings’ defensive coordinator Brian Flores is incredibly difficult to play against. Therefore, given this matchup and Williams’ lack of consistent fantasy production, this might be a week to think about leaving Williams on your bench.

Rome Odunze - Start

It is hard to put wide receiver Rome Odunze on the bench. Odunze is Chicago’s leading receiver with 559 receiving yards and is the only player on the Bears with over two touchdowns; he has six on the year. Therefore, he is a primary target in the red zone and is getting the ball. The first time Chicago played the Vikings, Odunze scored a touchdown. He very well could in this matchup, too. He is everything you look for in a fantasy receiver - he is getting the target share, the receptions, and the touchdowns. There is no way he can stay on the bench this week.

D’Andre Swift - Start in PPR Leagues

Chicago’s running game has been key to success, with Swift having his most explosive game against the Washington Commanders just after the bye week. His production has been good ever since that game as well, especially in points per reception (PPR) leagues. Swift has at least one reception in every game this season and was targeted eight times last week against the New York Giants.

Looking at the matchup, the Vikings have only allowed six rushing touchdowns to running backs this year and have not given up a receiving touchdown to a back so far. Therefore, in non-PPR leagues, there is considerably more risk given the lack of touchdown upside in this matchup. If you have Swift in a non-PPR league, consider leaving him on the bench if you have a player with greater upside. However, if you have Swift in a PPR league, he should be in your starting lineup.

Colston Loveland - Consider Starting, Especially in PPR

The tight end position has been difficult to figure out this season. There is a lack of consistent tight ends, making a tight end with upside incredibly valuable on a fantasy roster. Loveland has that upside. He has been on the field for more than 60 percent of Chicago’s offensive snaps in the past four games and has at least four targets in all of those games. His upside is greater in PPR leagues because he may not necessarily get a lot of yards, but he at least gets the receptions.

Minnesota is an intriguing matchup for tight ends. They give up the ninth-most fantasy points and are tied for giving up the fifth-most touchdowns to opposing tight ends. Last time Chicago went against a team that struggled defending tight ends, Loveland had 118 receiving yards and two touchdowns. The chemistry between Williams and Loveland has grown tremendously since the season opener, which gives Loveland the chance to be involved in this offense more and get you fantasy points.