2013 chicago bears Fantasy Preview
There was plenty of fantasy production to be found in the Windy City -- if you knew where to look. The Bears defense (first - 222.00) returned to its status as Monsters of the Midway outscoring the next best fantasy unit by 40 points. That group even outscored Chicago's most productive fantasy skill player -- Brandon Marshall, who finished second among receivers with 216.60 points. However, it seems a little more likely that it will be Marshall, rather than the defense, that posts a repeat performance in 2013. No other Bear cracked the top 10 at his respective position with Matt Forte (12th - 177.40) and Jay Cutler (23rd - 184.62) frustrating fantasy owners throughout the season. But a new head coach and a new offensive philosophy could change the fortunes of quite a few fantasy options playing at Soldier Field.
15
Brandon
Marshall
WR - Bears
The Bears didn't suffer a lot of major free agency losses, though QB Jason Campbell (Cleveland) and G Chilo Rachal (Arizona) left for new cities. Instead, the biggest loss might have been the retirement of long-time LB Brian Urlacher. Chicago was a buyer in the free agent market, picking up TE Martellus Bennett, LB James Anderson and a host of offensive linemen to protect Cutler. That theme continued in the draft, with Chicago drafting a pair of blockers.
With few new faces at the skill positions, there's really nothing about this Bears team that you didn't already know from a fantasy perspective. But under new head coach Marc Trestman, Forte could see an expanded role and larger production. There is also a chance for Bennett to be the tight end Chicago has sought since ... Mike Ditka? Michael Bush found some waiver wire value as a TD vulture in 2012, but those opportunities might not materialize this season in a new offensive scheme.
| POS | FIRST | SECOND | THIRD | OTHER |
| QB | Jay Cutler | Josh McCown | Matt Blanchard | - |
| RB | Matt Forte | Michael Bush | Armando Allen | Michael Ford |
| WR | Brandon Marshall | Alshon Jeffery | Earl Bennett | Eric Weems |
| TE | Martellus Bennett | Steve Maneri | Kyle Adams | Gabe Miller |
| K | Robbie Gould | Austin Signor | - | - |
( ) Projected Round
| # | Name | Pos. Rank |
| 1 | Brandon Marshall | 3 |
| 2 | Matt Forte | 12 |
| 3 | Bears defense | 3 |
| 4 | Jay Cutler | 25 |
| 5 | Martellus Bennett | 16 |
Photo Gallery
Top 30 Fantasy PlayersMatt Forte was able to work his way onto this year's list of the top 30 fantasy football players. Find out if any of his Bears teammates joined him. View
