Alshon Jeffery and Matt Forte's Updated Fantasy Value After Jay Cutler Benching

Chicago Bears Pro Bowlers Alshon Jeffery and Matt Forte have been producing like top-tier fantasy options at their respective positions this season despite the erratic play of quarterback Jay Cutler.   

Now the Bears have opted to go in a different direction under center ahead of Week 16's matchup with the Detroit Lions, benching Cutler in favor of Jimmy Clausen. ESPN's Adam Schefter had the news:

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network confirmed and also analyzed what it means for Chicago coach Marc Trestman's job security:

Fantasy owners probably don't give a hoot about Trestman and whether he remains on as coach in the Windy City. However, his offensive wizardry just may give those who possess Jeffery and Forte some hope in the fantasy playoffs, despite an unproven QB in Clausen throwing the ball.

Despite the unfavorable Week 16 matchup on paper, Trestman proved he could work magic last year by positioning Josh McCown for success.

A career backup before 2013, McCown threw for 13 touchdowns to just one interception in eight games. Now McCown has a 72.6 passer rating and blew his shot to be a franchise QB in Tampa Bay.

That's not to say Clausen will come in and destroy worlds like McCown did last year. ESPN Stats & Info provides a graphic that's cause for concern as Clausen prepares to take over:

But Clausen doesn't have to do much to distribute the ball to Forte, who has a whopping 88 receptions on the year (already a career high). Against the Lions' top-ranked rush defense, it's a safe bet Forte will be looked to often in the passing game to help take pressure off Clausen with easy completions. That gives Forte tremendous PPR value.

As for Jeffery, the absence of Cutler's favorite target, Brandon Marshall, will only give the younger wideout more opportunities to make plays. Defenses will be making a concerted effort to shade coverage to Jeffery's side of the field, which is something he isn't accustomed to.

Jeffery's route-running precision, along with his massive size, creates favorable matchups with Detroit's lackluster corners. As Clausen will be making simpler reads in Trestman's West Coast offense, Jeffery can use his frame to create separation and leverage on shorter, timing passes and rack up receptions in a hurry.

Still view Forte and Jeffery as No. 1 fantasy plays. Chances are, owners in the heat of the playoffs can't afford many viable lineup alternatives at this point anyway.