The Chicago Bears and Seattle Seahawks have both opened the 2015 season 0-2. Of course, the Bears have lost two home games by a combined 33 points, while the Seahawks have been on the road for both of their losses, one of which went to overtime.
Fantasy football advice, Week 3: Who to start/sit for Bears vs. Seahawks
Both of these teams are 0-2, and that’s where the similarities end.
On Sunday, the Seahawks get to open their home slate, while the Bears are dealing with an incredible number of injuries on their way to Seattle.
The Bears will be without quarterback Jay Cutler and wide receiver Alshon Jeffery Sunday, as both deal with hamstring issues. Running back Matt Forte (knee) and wide receivers Eddie Royal (back and hip) and Marquess Wilson (shoulder) were all on the weekly injury report as well, though all three are expected to play.
For Seattle, running back Marshawn Lynch has been dealing with a calf injury. The news has grown worse as the week has gone on. He’ll be a game-time decision.
Seattle will host Chicago on Sunday for a game scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET. Let’s take a look at the fantasy names to consider:
BEARS
Start ‘em: There are only two Bears who warrant real fantasy consideration this week: running back Matt Forte and tight end Martellus Bennett, and even those two are going to have to battle a stout defense.
Sit ‘em: Filling in for Jay Cutler, Jimmy Clausen couldn’t ask for a worse situation to make his first 2015 start. Stay far away. ... Eddie Royal and Marquess Wilson have done basically nothing filling in for Alshon Jeffery so far, and could be held to even less production this week. ... The Bears might not score much at all on Sunday. Avoid Robbie Gould. ... And as if the offense didn’t have enough problems, the Bears’ defense might be the league’s worst unit.
SEAHAWKS
Start ‘em: This is a good situation for Russell Wilson to put up huge numbers, with an ailing running back and going against an awful defense. ... Even with the injury, so long as Marshawn Lynch is healthy you are certainly using him. ... After a week of grumbling talk about Jimmy Graham, best bet here is the team finds a way to get him a Week 3 touchdown. ... Steven Hauschka will get plenty of chances to kick on Sunday. ... The Seahawks’ defense getting Kam Chancellor back, in a home game, against a bad backup quarterback? Saddle up.
Start ‘em?: If the worst happens and Lynch is scratched from Sunday, the Seahawks will turn to a mix of Fred Jackson and Thomas Rawls, and in this matchup, both would have value. ... Doug Baldwin had a big Week 2, but he’s never been the most consistent contributor.
Sit ‘em: Baldwin is the only Seattle wide receiver you’d want to use. Let Jermaine Kearse and Tyler Lockett sit.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Matt Forte, Martellus Bennett, Russell Wilson, Marshawn Lynch, Jimmy Graham, Steven Hauschka, Seattle defense
Start if you’re desperate: Fred Jackson, Thomas Rawls, Doug Baldwin
Bench: Jimmy Clausen, Eddie Royal, Marquess Wilson, Robbie Gould, Chicago defense, Jermaine Kearse, Tyler Lockett
