Chicago Bears team preview highlighting essential fantasy players and projections, providing insights into key contributors and expected performances for the upcoming season.

As the NFL season approaches, fantasy football enthusiasts eagerly analyze team rosters to identify key players who can provide significant value. The Chicago Bears, a franchise with a storied history and a roster in transition, present intriguing opportunities for fantasy managers. With new coaching staff, strategic roster moves, and emerging talent, the Bears are poised to make an impact in 2024.
This comprehensive team preview examines the Bears’ roster, highlights the most promising fantasy players, and offers projections based on current data, coaching trends, and player development trajectories. Whether you’re drafting early or adjusting your roster, understanding the key contributors on the Bears can help optimize your fantasy success.
1. Overview of the Chicago Bears 2024
a) Recent Team Performance & Outlook
The Bears finished the 2023 season with a mixed record, showing flashes of offensive potential but struggling with consistency and injuries. The 2024 offseason saw strategic additions on both sides of the ball, emphasizing a balanced attack and improved defense.
b) Coaching and Scheme
With new head coach [Insert Name], the Bears are expected to adopt a more dynamic, modern offensive scheme. The focus is on leveraging athleticism, spreading the field, and utilizing versatile players to create mismatches.
c) Key Roster Changes
Significant offseason moves include draft picks, free-agent signings, and internal development. These moves aim to bolster the offensive line, add explosive playmakers, and improve defensive stability.
2. Key Fantasy Players: Position Breakdowns and Projections
a) Quarterback
Justin Fields — The Offensive Catalyst
Overview: Justin Fields enters his third NFL season with high expectations. Known for his dual-threat ability, Fields combines a strong arm with exceptional mobility, making him a dual fantasy threat.
2023 Recap: In his sophomore year, Fields showcased his rushing prowess, accumulating over 1,100 rushing yards and 8 rushing touchdowns. Passing efficiency improved but remained inconsistent.
2024 Outlook & Projections: With a revamped offense and improved weapons, Fields is poised for a breakout season. His rushing ability alone provides a high floor, and if passing efficiency improves, his ceiling skyrockets.
Fantasy Projection: QB1 (Top 10 overall) — Expect around 3,200 passing yards, 20 passing touchdowns, 700 rushing yards, and 7 rushing touchdowns.
b) Running Backs
1. Rashaad Penny — The New Lead Back?
Overview: Acquired in free agency, Penny offers explosive speed and vision. His injury history is a concern, but when healthy, he’s a game-changer.
2023 Recap: Limited to 300+ rushing yards due to injuries, but displayed big-play ability with multiple runs over 20 yards.
2024 Outlook & Projections: If Penny stays healthy, he could lead the backfield and be a fantasy RB2 with RB1 upside, especially in a run-heavy scheme.
Fantasy Projection: RB2 (High-end) — Around 800 rushing yards, 8 rushing touchdowns, and 30 receptions for 250 yards.
2. Khalil Herbert — The Versatile Back
Overview: Herbert proved to be a reliable and versatile runner and receiver in 2023, with good vision and quickness.
2023 Recap: Rushed for over 1,000 yards and 7 touchdowns, adding 40 receptions.
2024 Outlook & Projections: With Penny’s health concerns, Herbert remains a key contributor. His role as a pass-catcher enhances his value.
Fantasy Projection: RB3 with upside — Approximately 900 rushing yards, 6 rushing TDs, and 40 receptions for 350 yards.
c) Wide Receivers
1. D.J. Moore — The Franchise WR
Overview: Acquired from the Panthers, Moore is an elite route-runner with yards-after-catch ability. He’s expected to be Fields’ primary target.
2023 Recap: Over 1,200 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns with solid consistency.
2024 Outlook & Projections: Moore’s role as a focal point in the offense makes him a WR1 candidate, with potential for over 1,300 yards and double-digit touchdowns.
Fantasy Projection: WR1 (Top 15 overall) — Around 1,300 receiving yards, 9 touchdowns, and 80 receptions.
2. Chase Claypool — The Big-Play Threat
Overview: A physical receiver with size and athleticism, Claypool provides a red-zone target and deep threat.
2023 Recap: Showed flashes but inconsistent; finished with 475 yards and 3 touchdowns.
2024 Outlook & Projections: With a year in the system, chemistry with Fields could improve, boosting his fantasy value.
Fantasy Projection: Flex WR or WR3 — About 600 yards and 4 touchdowns.
3. Darnell Mooney — The Slot Receiver
Overview: Mooney has been a reliable short-to-intermediate target with solid route-running.
2023 Recap: Had around 600 yards and 3 touchdowns, with strong PPR value.
2024 Outlook & Projections: Expected to remain a consistent target in the passing game, especially on third down.
Fantasy Projection: Flex or WR4 — 650 yards and 4 touchdowns.
d) Tight Ends
1. Cole Kmet — The Primary Tight End
Overview: Kmet has established himself as a reliable target with good hands and route-running.
2023 Recap: Recorded 500 yards and 4 touchdowns, showing growth as a red-zone threat.
2024 Outlook & Projections: With increased passing volume, Kmet could push for over 600 yards and 6 touchdowns.
Fantasy Projection: TE1 (High-end) — 600 yards, 6 touchdowns, and 50 receptions.
e) Defensive and Special Teams Impact on Fantasy
While defense and special teams are not typically drafted in standard fantasy leagues, a strong Bears defense can influence offensive game scripts, potentially increasing passing volume for players like Fields and Moore.
3. Breaking Down the Offensive Scheme and Its Fantasy Implications
The Bears’ offensive strategy under new coaching emphasizes a fast-paced, dual-threat approach. Fields’ mobility and the addition of dynamic playmakers like Moore and Penny are designed to create explosive plays.
Passing Game: Expect increased vertical routes and quick throws, benefiting wide receivers and tight ends.
Running Game: A committee approach with Penny and Herbert aims to keep defenses honest, providing multiple options for fantasy managers.
Red Zone Efficiency: With a physical receiver like Claypool and a reliable tight end in Kmet, the Bears are poised to improve red-zone scoring, boosting touchdowns for offensive skill players.
4. Fantasy Draft Strategy & Player Rankings
Based on projections, here’s a suggested approach:
Early Rounds: Target Justin Fields as a QB1 due to dual-threat upside. Secure D.J. Moore early as a high-end WR1.
Mid-Rounds: Consider Khalil Herbert or Penny based on your roster needs. Target Kmet as a reliable tight end.
Late Rounds: Depth at wide receiver with Claypool and Mooney, and handcuffs or backups like Roschon Johnson (if involved) for running back depth.
5. Player Risks and Considerations
Injuries: Penny’s injury history poses a risk; monitor his health status.
Consistency: Fields’ passing efficiency and offensive line protection will influence his overall output.
Role Changes: The offensive scheme and coaching decisions could impact player targets and usage.
Team Performance: A stronger overall team can lead to more scoring opportunities and higher fantasy points.
6. Final Projections Summary
Player Position 2024 Projection Key Notes
Justin Fields QB QB1: ~3,200 yds, 20 TDs, 700 rush yds, 7 rush TDs Dual-threat, high ceiling
Rashaad Penny RB RB2: ~800 rush yds, 8 TDs, 30 catches Explosive when healthy
Khalil Herbert RB RB3: ~900 rush yds, 6 TDs, 40 receptions Versatile, reliable
D.J. Moore WR WR1: ~1,300 yds, 9 TDs, 80 receptions Main target, high upside
Chase Claypool WR Flex: ~600 yds, 4 TDs Deep threat, red-zone target
Darnell Mooney WR Flex: ~650 yds, 4 TDs PPR value, consistent target
Cole Kmet TE TE1: ~600 yds, 6 TDs Red-zone presence, target volume
7. Conclusion
The Chicago Bears’ 2024 roster features a promising mix of emerging talent and proven contributors, especially on offense. Justin Fields’ development and the addition of impactful weapons like D.J. Moore elevate the team’s offensive potential, making several players viable fantasy options.
While uncertainties exist—such as injury risks and scheme adjustments—the projected performances suggest that Bears’ players can provide significant fantasy value, especially in leagues that reward rushing yards and touchdowns. Strategic drafting and monitoring player health and role changes will be key to maximizing their fantasy output.
As the season unfolds, the Bears’ offense could surprise many with explosive plays and improved consistency, providing fantasy managers with a solid foundation and potential breakout performances. Staying attentive to in-season developments and adjusting lineups accordingly will be crucial in leveraging the Bears’ projected strengths.