Admit it, you were ready to count out Touchdown Tom after the first two weeks of the season. I was. He looked like just a guy. But he’s really clicked with his offense over the last two weeks, throwing eight touchdowns and nearly 700 yards.
However, those two outings came against the Broncos and Chargers. Things get a little tougher this week against the Bears on Thursday night.
Fantasy Football analysis: Bucs QB Tom Brady
Don’t expect another five-touchdown outing from Brady this week. Chicago’s pass defense ranks in the top 10 for yards and touchdowns allowed. Of even greater concern is the Bucs’ injury report, which includes almost all of the team’s primary offensive skill players. Tight end O.J. Howard is out. Running back Leonard Fournette missed last week’s game too, and will be a game-time decision for Thursday. Wide receiver Chris Godwin didn’t play last week, and hasn’t practiced all week. Mike Evans and Scotty Miller, the team’s other two wide receivers, missed practice on Tuesday.
Ultimately, some of the missed practice time for the skill players looks like load management from head coach Bruce Arians, giving some banged up players a little time off during a short week. Of the bunch, Evans and Miller seem like they have the best chances of playing this week.
While the Bears have held opposing quarterbacks in check, they haven’t faced an opponent of this caliber. Brady probably isn’t going to lead the position in fantasy production this week, but he should have a decent game, certainly a better one than Nick Foles, if you have to choose between one of the two.
Fantasy Start/Sit Recommendation
Start Tom Brady.