Jason Campbell: Analyzing QB's Fantasy Value with Jay Cutler Out

Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler suffered a concussion on Sunday Night Football against the Houston Texans in Week 10. Jason Campbell replaced him and completed 11-of-19 passes for 94 yards and carried the ball once for five yards.

While Cutler is recovering from his injury, it’s possible that Campbell could get a start or two for Chicago. He is more than capable as a backup, having started 70 games in his NFL career. 

In terms of fantasy football production, Campbell could also pick up where Cutler left off. Cutler has thrown 129 career touchdown passes against 96 interceptions. Campbell’s TD-to-INT ratio is actually more favorable: 74 touchdowns and 50 picks, largely without the presence of a true No. 1 wide receiver like Brandon Marshall.

Campbell’s fantasy value shouldn’t exceed that of a healthy Cutler, meaning it is limited outside of deeper leagues. Cutler was 23rd among fantasy QBs in ESPN standard scoring entering Week 10.

This isn’t a backup situation that resembles Tim Tebow of the New York Jets or Colin Kaepernick of the San Francisco 49ers—who would both be intriguing fantasy options at worst if given playing time.

That spike in value would be due to their running ability, something that the Bears quarterbacks lack. Campbell’s season-highs in rushing are 47 carries (2008 and 2010), 258 yards (2008) and two touchdowns (2011). Cutler’s season highs are 57 attempts (2008), 232 yards (2010) and two touchdowns (2008).

As fantasy passers, Cutler and Campbell may prove to be interchangeable depending on who’s under center for the Bears. Chicago’s other skill-position players should remain usable in the same fantasy spots that they were in before Cutler went down.

On Campbell’s first drive against the Texans—which ended in a punt—the Bears’ stars still got their touches. Running back Matt Forte had four carries for 16 yards and finished the game with 16 attempts for 39 yards.

Marshall caught three passes for 24 yards on the same drive.

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