Fantasy football advice, Week 11: Who to start/sit for Broncos vs. Bears
Can the Bears keep their recent hot streak going against Denver’s backup quarterback?
The Chicago Bears are suddenly sneaky contenders. Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos have gone from one of the league's best teams to a struggling franchise with a backup quarterback and two straight losses. Somehow, the 4-5 team might be the preferred option to the 7-2 one when they play Sunday.
The Broncos will famously be without quarterback Peyton Manning. Running back Ronnie Hillman, wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders and tight end Owen Daniels are all on the injury report as well, though all three should be good to go. For the Bears, wide receiver Eddie Royal will definitely miss Sunday, while both running back Matt Forte and wide receiver Alshon Jeffery are game-time decisions that both appear to be trending to the negative for the game.
The Bears will host the Broncos Sunday, with game-time scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. Let’s take a look at the fantasy names to consider:
BRONCOS
Start ‘em: You'd be scared of Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders as Denver's 1-2 receivers with the backup quarterback in play, but they produced fine with Peyton Manning and it wasn't like he was great. They should be fine. ... Brandon McManus and the Broncos' defense should both be basically fine despite the QB change.
Start ‘em?: The Broncos appear to have settled on Ronnie Hillman as their starting running back, though he hasn’t really run away with the role. He’s a high-end flex.
Sit ‘em: You can't really expect Brock Osweiler to be worse than the version of Peyton Manning we've had much of the season, but that version of Manning wasn't worth starting in fantasy either. ... With Hillman manning the No. 1 role, C.J. Anderson doesn't have a lot of upside. ... Owen Daniels and Vernon Davis are total stay-aways, with Daniels trending down and Davis trending ever-so-slightly up.
BEARS
Start ‘em: While I still trust the Denver defense, it isn't the absolutely dominant unit it was earlier in the season, and Jay Cutler has as high a floor for any quarterback not named Tom Brady. ... Jeremy Langford appears likely to have the RB job all to himself again this week, making him a decent RB2 at worst. ... Martellus Bennett didn't get a lot of looks in Week 10, but he's still definitely the team's top tight end and, considering injuries, maybe the Bears' best offensive weapon overall. ... Robbie Gould has been held scoreless twice this year and is averaging 12 points a game in the others. That's a weird season, but far more good than bad.
Start ‘em?: The Chicago situation among the wide receivers is ridiculous to parse. If Alshon Jeffery plays, maybe you use him, but he's very risky. And if he sits, Marquess Wilson is interesting, though he's had two total fantasy points in his last three games. And with all the questions there, maybe tight end Zach Miller has another big game. But good luck figuring out how that'll all come together. ... If you definitely don't trust Osweiler, the Bears' defense might be interesting, but it's very risky.
Sit ‘em: Even if Matt Forte makes it back to play Sunday, it seems like they’ll lean on Langford for now. Give him another week.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, Brandon McManus, Denver defense, Jay Cutler, Jeremy Langford, Martellus Bennett, Robbie Gould
Start if you're desperate: Ronnie Hillman, Marquess Wilson, Zach Miller, Chicago defense
Bench: Brock Osweiler, C.J. Anderson, Owen Daniels, Vernon Davis, Matt Forte
