2015 Fantasy Football Outlook for Chicago Bears Stars
The Chicago Bears Stars must persevere offensively as the process of rebuilding a once-proud defense continues in 2015. Martellus Bennett, Alshon Jeffery and Matt Forte will shine, despite learning their third offensive scheme in four years.
The Bears turned over the entire staff after an atrocious effort in 2014. Head coach Marc Trestman is now the Baltimore Ravens' offensive coordinator, and general manager Phil Emery is currently unemployed.
First-time general manager Ryan Pace brought in veteran head coach John Fox to return some stability to the offense. Fox recruited Adam Gase as his offensive coordinator after the pair shared the same positions over the past two seasons with the Denver Broncos.
Chicago stumbled mightily on offense, finishing 23rd in scoring for 2014 after a No. 2 finish a season prior. The Bears offense finished 15th in standard fantasy scoring, thanks in large part to substantial garbage-time performances.
The Bears are expected to use their No. 7 pick on defense in the upcoming NFL draft, according to a survey of 290 mock drafts by DC Pro Sports Report. A majority (56.2 percent) predicted Chicago will take either Washington Huskies defensive tackle Danny Shelton (25.8), Missouri Tigers defensive end Shane Ray (11.0), Clemson Tigers outside linebacker Vic Beasley (10.0) or Alabama Crimson Tide strong safety Landon Collins (9.3).
The remaining veterans must rekindle that fire from 2013 to reignite Chicago’s high fantasy profile.
Players are shown in ascending order from least to most valuable from a fantasy perspective in 2015.
Honorable Mention
1 of 10
Zach Miller, TE
Not that Zach Miller, the 2007 second-round pick of the Oakland Raiders who put in another four years with the Seattle Seahawks after a Pro Bowl performance in 2010. Nay, this Zach Miller is the 2009 sixth-rounder of the Jacksonville Jaguars who hasn’t produced much of anything since 2010.
I’ve already said more than necessary about this Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks product who would hardly bear mention if his name wasn’t identical to a more prominent player at the exact same position.
John Chiles, WR
Chicago took a flier on the Texas product who bounced around NFL practice squads before catching on with the Canadian Football League's Toronto Argonauts in 2013. Toronto general manager Jim Barker said the converted quarterback can play in the NFL, according to Curtis Rush of the Toronto Star.
Watch the 6’1”, 209-pound prospect closely in training camp, given the instability at wide receiver behind Alshon Jeffery.
Dante Rosario, TE
Rosario is primarily a blocker with limited results as a receiving tight end. He poses no threat to Martellus Bennett owners, but he could steal a touchdown or two in the red zone.
Jimmy Clausen, QB
Clausen would be the next man up if Cutler implodes again in 2015. He played serviceably in his only start in 2014, a 181-yard, two-touchdown and one-interception performance against Detroit in Week 15.
The 2010 second-rounder from Notre Dame played miserably through 10 starts in his rookie year, which incidentally ended John Fox’s nine-year coaching tenure with the Carolina Panthers.
If Clausen sees any significant playing time in 2015, it will probably be out of desperation.
Jacquizz Rodgers, RB
2 of 10
Chicago signed Jacquizz Rodgers, the diminutive, change-of-pace back as a free agent from the Atlanta Falcons, according to the Bears’ official Twitter feed:
"#Bears have signed RB Jacquizz Rodgers to a one-year contract. https://t.co/GGmBBclJGk
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) March 31, 2015"
The 5’6”, 196-pound four-year veteran will likely contribute to the passing game out of the backfield, but he won’t see more significant work unless Matt Forte misses time.
All-Too-Early 2015 Projection: 25 catches, 350 combined yards and one touchdown
Marquess Wilson, WR
3 of 10
Marquess Wilson currently falls into Chicago’s WR2 slot by default, but he leaves plenty to be desired in the wake of the Brandon Marshall trade, according to ESPN Insider Field Yates.
Calvin Pace confirmed the wide receiver position will continue to be addressed this offseason, according to Michael C. Wright of ESPNChicago.com.
"I would say the receiver position, we are looking at that. We are exploring that in free agency, in the draft. There are guys, honestly, on our own roster that we could see have ascending roles. We’ll add talent to our entire roster. But, yeah, we are looking at receivers.
"
Wilson—Chicago’s 2013 seventh-rounder out of Washington State—started six games in 2014 after returning from a preseason clavicle injury. He finished with a modest 17-catch, 140-yard and one-touchdown stat line.
At 6’4”, Wilson matches Marshall’s height, but Marshall dwarfs Wilson’s 184-pound frame, weighing in at 230.
Wilson enters 2015 a speculative sleeper even if he wins the No. 2 job opposite Alshon Jeffery.
All-Too-Early 2015 Projection: 450 yards and two touchdowns
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Eddie Royal, WR
4 of 10
Eddie Royal’s ties to Jay Cutler and Adam Gase helped lure the accomplished slot receiver to Chicago, according to the U-T San Diego's Michael Gehlken via Twitter.
"Chargers have been informed WR Eddie Royal is signing with Bears, source says. Has familiarity with QB Jay Cutler, coaching staff.
— Michael Gehlken (@UTgehlken) March 12, 2015
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Royal’s rookie year with the Denver Broncos still stands as his most productive: 91 receptions for 980 yards and five touchdowns. Incidentally, 2008 remains Cutler’s finest statistical season as well. It’s no wonder Royal reportedly “loves” Cutler, according to NBC4’s Dianna Marie Russini via Twitter.
"I'm told WR Eddie Royal will be signing with The Chicago Bears. He loves Jay Cutler per sources.
— Dianna Marie Russini (@NBCdianna) March 10, 2015
"
Gase joined the Broncos as the wide receivers coach for the 2009-10 seasons, before quickly ascending to quarterbacks (2011-12) and offensive coordinator (2013-14). Royal left Denver in 2012, joining the San Diego Chargers as a free agent.
Royal’s 15 touchdowns over the last two seasons are deceiving. Nine of them came in two, two-week stretches in Weeks 1-2 of 2013 and Weeks 3-4 of 2014. Otherwise his numbers are pedestrian even in points-per-reception leagues.
His 62 catches for 778 yards in 2014 marked his best effort since 2008, but it was only good enough for 32nd in fantasy scoring among wide receivers.
A top-40 finish in 2015 would be a bonus as Royal settles into Chicago’s third new offense in four years. Draft him as a reserve with situational upside.
All-Too-Early 2015 Projection: 535 yards and three touchdowns
Ka’Deem Carey, RB
5 of 10
It’s difficult to gauge Ka'Deem Carey’s value as Matt Forte’s backup since Forte hardly left the field in Marc Trestman’s offense. Only guard Kyle Long (1,024) saw more offensive snaps than Forte (1,006) on the Bears roster in 2014, according to Pro Football Focus.
John Fox’s reputation for platooning running backs might signal an increase in touches for Carey in 2015, according to Michael C. Wright of ESPNChicago.com. Chicago’s 2014 fourth-rounder floundered at the combine but impressed on film, according to Bucky Brooks of NFL.com.
"The film suggests that the Arizona standout is a punishing runner with the vision, quickness and physicality to thrive as a feature back in the NFL. Additionally, Carey is an underrated pass-catcher out of the backfield who can run every route in the book."
Carey averaged 4.4 yards per carry on his 36 rush attempts in 2014. It’s a small sample size, but if Forte misses time, Carey could conceivably top 100 yards and/or score a touchdown in a starting role.
It’s much more likely Forte maintains his health, meaning Carey’s value is limited to a must-handcuff for Forte owners.
All-Too-Early 2015 Projection: 500 combined yards and three touchdowns
Amari Cooper, WR
6 of 10
Don’t worry, you didn’t OD on cough syrup and sleep through the NFL draft.
Amari Cooper isn’t a member of the Bears yet, but several draft experts—including Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller—predict Ryan Pace will take him if he falls to Chicago at No. 7.
The Alabama Crimson Tide product is the top wideout prospect, comparable to Marvin Harrison, according to Lance Zierlein of NFL.com. Cooper took home the 2014 Fred Biletnikoff Award given to the nation’s best college wide receiver.
Cooper would be the automatic favorite to fill Chicago’s WR2 spot on the depth chart alongside Alshon Jeffrey. Jeffrey would draw opponent’s attention from the rookie, lining up Cooper to possibly replicate Brandon Marshall’s 61 catches for 721 yards and eight touchdowns in 2014.
At that rate, Cooper projects to be a solid flex pick in fantasy drafts as a member of the Chicago Bears.
All-Too-Early 2015 Projection: 650 yards and six touchdowns
Jay Cutler, QB
7 of 10
John Fox said Jay Cutler is the presumed starter for now, but things could change, according to Michael C. Wright of ESPNChicago.com.
"I would say logically if you are looking at the depth chart and you are asking me for it two weeks before we can really get anything going, I’d say he’d be first on the depth chart, yeah. Obviously you’ve got to start somewhere and my experience in football and really anything is it’s not where you start the race, it’s where you finish it.
"
Cutler finished 2014 benched until Jimmy Clausen suffered a concussion. There are three simple reasons Cutler is still “bearing down” after such a controversial tenure in Chicago.
First, the seven-year, $126.7 million extension he signed in January of 2014 leaves him virtually untouchable with dead-money penalties of $29.5 million in 2015 and $13 million in 2016 if Chicago outright cuts him.
That level of cap commitment is also the reason nobody wanted to trade for Cutler, absorbing the ninth-richest contract in the NFL. “Teams certainly know that Jay Cutler is available,” reported NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport on NFL Total Access in early March (h/t NFL.com’s Chris Wesseling).
Finally there’s no immediate replacement giving the Bears the confidence to part ways with the disgruntled nine-year veteran out of Vanderbilt. Clausen is the only possibility currently on the roster, which isn’t much of an option. Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota aren’t expected to be available when the Bears draft at seventh.
Chicago must ride with Cutler at least two more seasons realistically. Fox is hoping an infusion of confidence can turn things around in 2015, according to Wright.
"I think maybe he got to a point where he lacked confidence. He has to build that back up, and it’s going to take time.
Football-wise, there are things you can do in coaching; playing defense, playing complementary football is going to be something that helps. Our job is going to be building that confidence. I’ve seen him have success; maybe not super recently, but in spurts, in sections of his career. Now, like anybody, it’s becoming more consistent with that success.
"
It’s in Fox’s best interest to make this happen because when Cutler fails, coaches fall—see: Mike Shanahan, Lovie Smith and Marc Trestman.
Cutler is forecasted to land squarely among QB2s come fantasy draft time. If he cleans up the interceptions—tied with Philip Rivers for most in 2014 (18)—and the fumbles—tied with Andrew Luck for most in 2014 (six)—Cutler could approach the top-10 finish he was on pace for in 2013 before injuries sidelined him.
Know that the mistakes will continue for this notoriously poor decision-maker, but 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns are attainable if everything goes right in 2015.
Make sure Cutler is nothing more than a reserve on your roster in the likely case it doesn’t.
All-Too-Early 2015 Projection: 3,200 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, 15 interceptions plus 180 rushing yards.
Martellus Bennett, TE
8 of 10
Martellus Bennett put together the best season in his seven-year career, culminating in his first Pro Bowl appearance. He led all tight ends with 90 receptions, finishing fifth in fantasy scoring averaging 7.7 points per game.
He finished second on the Bears in receptions and third in targets with 128. That pace might be difficult to maintain under a more conservative John Fox offense, but Bennett is too valuable in the passing game to ignore.
Tight end can be a frustrating position in fantasy football. The talent is separated into three basic tiers: Rob Gronkowski alone at the top, Bennett joins a half-dozen others in the second and everybody else comprises the bottom.
Bennett projects as a fifth- or sixth-rounder in a standard-sized league. Even if his production dips in 2015, he should still be in line for top-five numbers as one of just a handful of tight ends worth drafting in the early rounds.
All-Too-Early 2015 Projection: 800 yards and six touchdowns
Alshon Jeffery, WR
9 of 10
Alshon Jeffery enters a contract year trying to avoid the soft-tissue problems that hampered his third season. John Fox is bringing the strength and conditioning philosophy to Chicago that helped the Denver Broncos in 2014, according to Michael C. Wright of ESPNChicago.com:
"I really liked Alshon coming out [of college]. One of the things I’d say is we had a lot of soft-tissue injuries last year as a football team. We’ve kind of changed philosophically in the weight room. I think you’ll see we’re going to do things a lot different from offseason conditioning, the approach to how we handle that. I don’t think we had a soft-tissue injury a year ago in Denver other than one particular guy.
I think [the new conditioning approach] will help him. There have been times in his career when he might have been a little bit overweight, but obviously a beast as far as size, and a guy we’re looking forward to getting to know better.
"
The 2012 second-rounder out of South Carolina will fetch top wide receiver money with another solid season. The Bears are expecting nothing less, after shipping Brandon Marshall to the New York Jets for a fifth-round pick.
Despite the nagging injuries Jeffery finished 12th in fantasy scoring among wide receivers, notching a career-best 10 touchdown receptions. Jeffery is a legitimate top-10 threat worthy of drafting no later than the third round.
All-Too-Early 2015 Projection: 1,300 yards and eight touchdowns
Matt Forte, RB
10 of 10
Matt Forte enters his contract year coming off an NFL record-setting performance. He passed Larry Centers (101 in 1995) for the most single-season receptions by a running back (102).
The 29-year-old is the model of consistency in the Bears backfield, never finishing below 1,400 yards from scrimmage since he landed in Chicago as its 2008 second-round pick. “In fact, since 2008 no player has gained more yards than Forte’s 11,431 combined total in 107 games,” reported Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun Times.
Forte improved with age, posting his two best seasons in 2013 (1,933 total yards, third in NFL) and 2014 (1,846 for third place again). The all-purpose stud led the league with 3,779 combined yards during Marc Trestman’s brief stint as head coach.
The Bears face a dilemma, considering most running backs decline after age 30. The seven-year veteran wants to stay in Chicago if Ryan Pace agrees, according to a tweet from Forte:
"A lot of football left in me. I want to play them for the Chicago Bears and retire a lifelong Bear. But they have to want the same thing...
— Matt Forte (@MattForte22) February 21, 2015
"
Forte projects to be the fourth player drafted in 2015.
He finished 2014 ranked fourth in fantasy scoring among running backs, averaging 14.4 weekly. Another 100-catch season isn’t likely in John Fox and Adam Gase’s scheme but draft Forte top five overall with confidence, knowing he’ll anchor your fantasy team the same way he does for the Bears.
All-Too-Early 2015 Projection: 80 catches combining for 300 touches for 1,600 yards and eight touchdowns
NFL statistics courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com , fantasy stats provided by ESPN.com, fantasy draft projections courtesy of Fantasy Pros, contract and salary-cap information provided by Over the Cap and h/t to Rotoworld for tweets and quotes unless otherwise noted.
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