Fantasy football projections, Week 8: Bears-Patriots featuring Tom Brady, Shane Vereen and Brandon Marshall

The Week 8 matchup between the Chicago Bears and the New England Patriots features two teams with productive pass-catching running backs. We've got the fantasy projections for you courtesy of numberFire.

The Bears may have been contained by the Miami Dolphins in Week 7, but fantasy owners can't blame running back Matt Forte. He scored his fourth touchdown in the last two games against the Dolphins and managed 109 total yards of offense in the game. Forte's an elite pass catcher among running backs, which makes his value particularly high in leagues that reward receptions. He should be in for another big day in Week 8 against a Patriots defense that gives up all kinds of fantasy points to rushers this season.

When the Bears do go to the passing game against the Pats, receiver Brandon Marshall will look to keep drives alive and put up some points. It's been a rough season for the normally Pro Bowl-caliber pass catcher. Marshall has been held to less than 50 yards receiving in five of seven games this season and called out quarterback Jay Cutler for his lack of production in the team's defeat at the hands of the Dolphins. Marshall will aim to lead by example against the Patriots, which could mean a solid day for the big receiver and his fantasy owners.

Shane Vereen became an instant fantasy stud in PPR leagues last week, catching five passes for 71 yards and two touchdowns against the New York Jets. He also ran the ball 11 times for an additional 43 yards. With teammate Stevan Ridley (knee) out for the rest of the season, Vereen is going to see a ton of action in the backfield for the Patriots. He'll no doubt be busy trying to match his counterpart Matt Forte on Sunday, and that will likely mean a second straight spectacular week for the veteran running back.

Vereen's ability to produce on the ground will only make life easier for quarterback Tom Brady, who appears to be his old self again after struggling mightily to start the season. Brady has nine touchdown passes over his last three contests after tossing just four in the first four games. The Bears frequently find themselves in high-scoring games, which could mean Brady's fantasy owners see him slinging the rock frequently on Sunday.