The
Chicago Bears were quite the disappointment in the 2007 season as almost no one lived up to expectations. Unless you played in a canyon-deep league, the Bears were a
fantasy football wasteland for the most part. Sure,
Bernard Berrian had the occasional outburst of quality production, but with
Rex Grossman at the helm, consistency was not his forte. Still the speedy receiver tallied 71 receptions, 951 yards, and 5 touchdowns, leading the Bears in all three categories.
Cedric Benson, he of the second round pick in many leagues, danced his way to a shortened season and four touchdowns in a paltry 674 rushing yards. Sadly, even the Monsters of the Midway, the once vaunted Bears defense (again drafted far too early in leagues for my taste) was mediocre at best, finishing 28th in total defense, 27th in passing defense, and 24th in rushing defense.
In 2008, the questions remains, do the Bears have any players that are worthy of drafting in your leagues fantasy football draft?
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Key Departures
Bernard Berrian (WR) - As previously mentioned, Berrian was the only glimpse of fantasy goodness on the 2007 Chicago Bears. Now he’ll be running routes for the Minnesota Vikings. His QB situation gets no better, moving from Grossman to Tarvaris Jackson, but the man is a talented deep threat with speed to burn. His running back has the same name, but the talent is undoubtedly greater in Minnesota. While defenses focus on stopping the horse-legged Adrian Peterson (long-time Bruno Boys readers will understand this reference), Berrian will be running wide open on the Viking’s carpet. I’d love to see what he’d accomplish with a quality arm slinging him the pigskin, but we may not see that for some time.
Cedric Benson (RB) - We all know what happened. DWI + BWI = released from contract. Benson never learned to do a lot of things, including making one cut, hitting the hole with authority, and giving the keys to a designated driver. We, the staff of Bruno Boys Fantasy Football, salute you, Cedric, for joining the ranks of the dumbest among professional athletes. While most would swear off alcohol for months following an intoxication-related arrest, you persevered, culminating, perhaps, in the ever so graceful conclusion of your career.
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Key Additions
The Chicago Bears have not added anyone on the offensive side of the football that will help with the overall fantasy football production in 2008.
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2008 Bruno Boys Crystal Ball
Rex Grossman (QB) - The Bears have given Rex Grossman more than a fair chance, and just about everyone thought that his tenure in Chicago was all but finished after a miserable 2007 season. However, this off season they decided to resign Grossman to a one-year deal, and now we all have to suffer through another year of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde. A new quarterback could spell fantasy-worthy numbers for some of the Bears skilled offensive players, but with Grossman starting the season under center, it could get ugly in Chicago. Unless you're from Chicago and like suffering through Sundays in the fall, you shouldn't touch Grossman with a 10 foot pole.
Devin Hester (WR) - I'll be honest, Devin Hester deserves some attention. I ignored Hester previously in this article for a reason, being that I don’t trust him. The man is an unbelievable special teams player, and Lovie Smith believes he can be a WR1. I, as well as the Bruno Boys Fantasy Football staff, suggest to not make him the same for your fantasy football team. His talent in the open field is unquestioned, and his hands are rumored to be excellent. However, his quarterback is shaky at best, and we’ve never see him attempt to separate from the top corners in the league. Unless your league grants points for return yards and return touchdowns, let someone else draft Hester.
Greg Olsen (TE) - Olsen has the size to dominate most safeties, and the speed to outrun many linebackers, likely making him the best receiving target of any Bears players. Make sure Olsen wins the starting job over Desmond Clark before you invest, but the Bruno Boys expect Olsen to improve on his 39 receptions, 391 receiving yards, and three touchdowns.
Chicago Bears Defense - Considering the defense was stellar for years prior to 2007, it’s conceivable a bounce back performance is in order. In fact, the Bears defense could even come at a bargain price this year in your fantasy football drafts, but I still wouldn’t touch them until I knew the offense was capable of holding their own. Bruno Boys Fantasy Football is convinced the defensive woes of ’07 were directly tied to offensive ineptitude.
Truth be told, I’m avoiding almost everyone on the Bears this season. In a word, the 2008 Bears are not far from a fantasy football disaster.
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Rookies to Watch
Matt Forte (RB) – The Bears gave the fantasy football world at least one reason to be excited about their upcoming team with the selection of Matt Forte in the second round. After taking Vanderbilt product Chris Williams (OT) with their first round selection, the Bears added Forte to the running back mix, repeatedly stating the Tulane product was “a complete back.” Given Benson’s penchant for failure (and alcohol) and the team’s apparent view of Forte as an every-down player, rumors had swirled of Benson perhaps seeing a limited role if he didn't shape up. Benson’s contract would have made him an extremely expensive back-up, and Forte looks like the real deal to me. In the wake of Benson's latest scrape with the law, however, the Bears released the former Longhorn, leaving Forte with a clear path to the starting spot.
In my opinion, Forte’s worth drafting as your third running back with the potential for oh so much more. He could be a fantastic option if you are in a league that requires a rookie on your roster as I expect Forte to be every bit as valuable as his first round classmates. Assuming the Bears don't sign a free agent back to split carries with Forte, his prospects compare favorably to the 2007 version of Marshawn Lynch, though with more receptions. I honestly feel that's the former Green Wave's impact on the fantasy football landscape this year.
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Other Team Capsules
NFC WEST - ARI I STL I SF I SEA
NFC SOUTH - ATL I CAR I NO I TB
NFC NORTH - CHI I DET I GB I MIN
NFC EAST - DAL I NYG I PHI I WAS
AFC WEST - DEN I KC I OAK I SD
AFC SOUTH - HOU I IND I JAX I TEN
AFC NORTH - BAL I CIN I CLE I PIT
AFC EAST - BUF I MIA I NE I NYJ