Lions vs. Bears: Average Joes Set to Become Fantasy Studs on Monday Night

Monday Night Football was created to make the lives of fantasy football owners miserable. 

Whether you're leading or trailing in your fantasy matchup after Sunday's games, Monday night provides you with one last shot to win, and often times lose. 

MNF signals the last hurrah for many fantasy football owners, hoping that their final roster spot will pull off an unthinkable performance and rescue them from the jaws of defeat—or that their opponent's will not.

Let's take a look at a trio of average Joes who will become fantasy game-changers when the Detroit Lions visit the Chicago Bears on MNF. 

Robbie Gould, Chicago Bears, K

Bears kicker Robbie Gould is 10-for-10 on field-goal attempts this season, and even cashed in on a 54-yarder against the St. Louis Rams in Week 3.

Gould has made at least two field goals in each of Chicago's past three games and has scored double-digit fantasy points in four of five games this season for ESPN fantasy league owners. He is only owned in about 65 percent of ESPN leagues, though, which is surprising given his consistency and output. 

Detroit has surrendered 13 field goals in five games this season. Only four other teams in the league had allowed more successful field goals through the first six weeks.

Nate Burleson, Detroit Lions, WR

Despite catching four passes, including one for a touchdown last week in Philadelphia, Detroit Lions wide receiver Nate Burleson is only owned in about 50 percent of all ESPN fantasy leagues.

The 31-year-old has been targeted eight times per game on average this season, and has found the end zone twice in five games. Burleson should see the ball thrown his way plenty on Monday night in Chicago, especially considering the Bears will be aiming to shut down big-play threat Calvin Johnson.

Also, expect Detroit to continue to be pass-heavy offensively. Chicago ranks first in the NFL defending the run and is most susceptible through the air, where its secondary ranks just 14th in the league defending the pass.

Burleson hasn't been spectacular, but in primetime on Monday night, he'll showcase his talents from start to finish for fantasy owners. 

Earl Bennett, Chicago Bears, WR

Chicago wide receiver Earl Bennett will be back in a big way on Monday night. After missing the Bears' last two games and using the bye week to recover from a hand injury, Bennett will be returning to Soldier Field energized and healthy.

Bennett has been one of Jay Cutler's favorite targets over the past few seasons in Chicago because of the two players' Vanderbilt connection. Bennett should also get added looks with rookie Alshon Jeffery out with a hand injury.

The veteran is owned in less than one percent of ESPN fantasy leagues this season, but has been targeted 14 times in just three games since the start of the year. 

Look for Earl Bennett to make his presence felt in the Bears' passing game on MNF. After all, Detroit's secondary has been mediocre, ranking just 16th in the NFL after six weeks.

Follow Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Patrick Clark on Twitter.