A void was left in the Chicago Bears offense when Brandon Marshall signed with the New York Jets in the offseason, which is what fantasy owners who drafted Eddie Royal took specific note of.
Fantasy football start/sit advice, Week 1: Eddie Royal
The Bears will need all hands on deck to hang with the Packers for Week 1, and Eddie Royal provides depth in their receiving corps. We break down the fantasy implications.
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Marshall was uber-productive in his tenure with the Bears, recording no fewer than eight touchdowns in a season, and having two years of 1,200 yards or more. Royal has since stepped into the No. 2 role vacated by Marshall, however his fantasy prospects aren’t as encouraging as his predecessor’s.
Fantasy Spin: While Marshall was an imposing physical presence, the smaller, shiftier Royal isn't. And just because he shares a similar spot on the depth chart doesn't mean he's close to the top of the pecking order in targets. Matt Forte, Martellus Bennett and Alshon Jeffery remain the primary options in the offense, especially now that Jeffery returned to practice on Wednesday.
As a third or fourth option in a passing attack that's been known to slump under Jay Cutler, Royal isn't a fantasy option worth considering in the early weeks of the season. He's worth a stash in case Jeffery misses time, but for now, there isn't much short term value to be had.
