NFL training camps are open, and for millions of people worldwide their fantasy football preparation has begun in earnest. Here at Sports World News we will break down all 32 NFL teams in terms of their fantasy value. Readers will find the must-own players in every format, the sleepers in specific formats, and hidden gems only necessary for those in very deep leagues.
Today's preview will be on the Chicago Bears.
Must Own
Matt Forte, RB: It doesn't get much better than Matt Forte was in 2013. He reached his immense potential, rushing to 1,339 yards and nine touchdowns while piling up another 594 yards and three scores in the passing game. He's arguably the best dual threat RB in football, and he's in a truly loaded offense. Forte doesn't get much love as the No. 1 overall pick, but he should be under consideration. He's getting goal line carries now.
Brandon Marshall, WR: Marshall's a beast in any format, but in PPR he moves up from his No. 17 overall spot to No. 15. This year his teammate Alshon Jeffery is definitely the "sexier" pick, but fantasy owners appear to be curbing their enthusiasm just enough to realize Marshall remains the one you want. Well, let me rephrase. You absolutely want both, but if one was forced to pick only one, Marshall's the guy.
He's never had under 100 catches with Jay Cutler as his QB, and Cutler's still his QB. He has also had 10 or more touchdowns in his last three seasons with Cutler. Get Brandon Marshall.
Alshon Jeffery, WR: Just because Marshall's projected for over 100 catches and 10-plus touchdowns, doesn't mean there won't be enough action for this stud. Jeffery and Marshall aren't going to steal receptions from one another-both will be heavily involved and producing huge numbers. He's going just seven picks after Marshall is, and he could play above that draft position.
Jay Cutler, QB: Cutler's going eighth among quarterbacks this year, and with weapons like the ones listed above it would seem like it should be higher. The reason to exercise some caution with Cutler, for whom the sky is the limit, is injury. He has missed good chunks of two of the last three seasons, and when healthy hasn't quite achieved what the elite QBs normally do.
The other side of the argument is that Marc Trestman is the perfect coach to take Cutler's talent to the next level, and his offensive pieces are second to none. The upside for Cutler is incredible-owners' best bet is to try and snag Cam Newton, or Robert Griffin III, and pair him with Cutler. If one pops, fantastic! If both do, those are some great trade chips.
Martellus Bennett, TE: Bennett is as good as anyone at his position athletically, but he could suffer because there's simply too many mouths to feed. Cutler only has one football, and the primary wide receivers are incredible red zone targets. There will be more than leftovers remaining for Bennett, but he's just a late option.
Robbie Gould, K: Gould is solid as a rock, and even if his field goal attempts suffer because of Chicago's effectiveness, he will feast on extra points.
Sleepers (Best format)
Defense/Special Teams: This D/ST was an abomination down the stretch in 2013, but this is a new year. Players like CB Charles Tillman and Lance Briggs are healthy. They're also joined by free agents Jay Ratliff and Lamarr Houston on the D-Line, who join sackmaster Jared Allen. They're re-loaded and will almost surely be drafted very late.
Santonio Holmes, WR (PPR): Holmes proved to be miscast as a No. 1 with the Jets, but as a slot receiver between Marshall and Jeffery against opponents' lesser cornerbacks, he could explode. The downside for Holmes here is that he isn't going to score many touchdowns, but as a PPR bye week fill-in owners can do worse.
Deep Finds (Best format)
Shaun Draughn, RB (Standard): In 2012 with the Chiefs Draughn was serviceable and displayed receiving chops. Forte is the man in Chicago, but in the event of an injury Draughn will be a capable RB2 at worst.
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