BEARS-PATRIOTS FANTASY ANALYSIS

This Sundays Pats-Bears game is a big one as both teams head towards the playoffs and look for high seeds. Just as important though are our fantasy teams and all those leagues are wrapping up soon and heading into the playoffs. Ok, maybe not JUST as important but it’s right up there! Let’s see if we can point you towards which guys will help you this week and which to avoid.

Good plays

Jay Cutler: Cutler has been real sharp lately, throwing for 10 touchdowns and only 3 interceptions over his last 5 games. He was a turnover waiting to happen earlier in the season but has evolved into a must start, especially against a weak Pats pass defense.

Earl Bennett: Bennett has really come on of late and is becoming Cutler’s go-to guy, especially in the red zone. He had 7 catches for 104 yards last week against the Lions and should have plenty of balls thrown his way again this week.

Johnny Knox: Knox may not be spectacular but he has one thing going for him that most receivers don’t: consistency. He has caught between 3 and 6 balls each of the last 7 games and should put up decent numbers this week.

Tom Brady: This is a no-brainer of course. If you need someone to tell you to start Brady then you have issues we cannot help you with. The MVP favorite has thrown 17 touchdowns since he threw his last pick back in week 6.

Wes Welker: Another in the obvious category. Welker is the top receiver on a team that throws the ball a lot and the QB throwing to him happens to be Tom Brady; not a bad combination I’d say. He has 20 catches and 4 touchdowns over his last 3 games.

Deion Branch: Thank goodness the Patriots saved him from a Seahawk death. Brady and Branch seem to be on the same page and firing on all cylinders at this point. Branch has 177 yards and 3 touchdowns over his last 2 games.

Risky plays

Matt Forte: Forte has had a real nice season and feel free to start him if you don’t have many options. It may be tough sledding though as the Patriots bottle up the run well and the Bears are using Chester Taylor in the running game more lately which limits Forte’s touches.

Greg Olsen: Olsen was a must start during the first part of the season but has regressed with the emergence Earl Bennett. The Bears have become more of a vertical attack and he just isn’t getting many targets. He has caught 1 ball in each of the last 2 weeks.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis: Benjarvus is a beast near the goal line for sure. His yardage totals are not overwhelming though so if he is kept out of the end zone he is only marginally useful. The Bears will pose a stiff test to him.

Aaron Hernandez: As far rookie tight ends go, Hernandez has had a great year. His production seems to come and go based on game plan and matchup though. The Bears will bring a lot of heat and try to force Brady into quick throws which makes Gronkowski the better option this week.