After some early-season hiccups, the Bears’ offense is showing signs of life. In their past two games, Chicago has scored a combined 60 points in wins over the Rams and Panthers. The key to rookie quarterback Caleb Williams’ success? His connection with wide receiver D.J. Moore. On the year, the Pro Bowler has accumulated a team-leading 294 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
As the current fantasy WR14, can managers continue to expect high-level production from Moore? If not, is now the time to sell the star wideout?
Chicago’s pass-catchers have been tricky to analyze. Prized offseason pickup Keenan Allen has disappointed (10 receptions for 81 yards), while first-round pick Rome Odunze has shown flashes, but has yet to break out (15 receptions for 201 yards). Their struggles, combined with some shaky play from Williams, has made starting anybody other than Moore a gamble.
But what if the ‘other’ Bears step up? Injuries have limited Allen to just three games, while Odunze has gotten better with more experience. It’s hard to believe that both will continue to produce at a sub-flex level for the rest of the season.
For Moore to maintain or even surpass his current fantasy value, Chicago will need to continue its offensive renaissance. Allen and Odunze are sure to get more looks going forward, but the good news is that Moore is the clear top dog in the passing game. On the year, he leads Chicago with 42 targets to go along with a target share of 24.7%, 18th-highest in the NFL. If Williams continues his recent play (824 passing yards and five touchdowns in his last three games), there’s plenty to like here.
I’m choosing to buy into the Bears, and by proxy all of their receivers. Consistent production for Allen and Odunze might be hard to come by, but there’s no way either sees their stock dip further barring an injury. A friendly upcoming schedule points to future success. Facing the Jaguars (31st in opponent yards per play), Commanders (26th), Cardinals (27th) and Patriots (24th) over the next four weeks should have Williams and company salivating.
Following that stretch of games, perhaps savvy managers can consider a sell-high of Moore. For now, this offense simply hasn’t peaked yet. Even if the targets begin to dip, there should be more scoring opportunities over the next month. Hold onto Moore; the best may be yet to come.
All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook, lines and odds subject to change.
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is barmy) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.
