Chicago Bears Fantasy Football Rankings: Too High or Too Low?

Aug 8, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) is tackled by Philadelphia Eagles strong safety Nate Allen (29) during the first quarter of a preseason game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Wide Receiver no.1: Brandon Marshall

Standard: 15th Overall, 6th Wide Receiver

PPR: 15th Overall, 6th Wide Receiver

Brandon Marshall might be the most inportant part to the Bears’ season, as he is the top target for Cutler and the main focus of every secondary. Cutler and Marshall have the ability and chemistry to tear apart any secondary, as shown by their play against the Seattle Seahawks in 2012. Against the Legion of Boom, the two connected on 10 passes for 165 yards, including a rocket from the Bears’ 12 yard-line that set up Robbie Gould for a game tying field goal as the clock expired. The offense might just go as Marshall goes.

I think the Bears have the potential to be the best offense in the league this season, so if that’s the case, Marshall might be a top three fantasy receiver. Everyone always complains about Cutler only targeting Marshall, but it could make him a fantasy steal in the second round.

But then again, the Bears also have another guy who is going to steal catches from him. If there were two footballs, I’d put Marshall and Jeffery at the top, but they have to share. That means one of the two will be influenced negatively. However, I don’t think it will be Marshall. He’s still the best receiver on the team, regardless of Jeffery’s play from a year ago.

Dec 1, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18). Mandatory Credit: Stan Liu-

Notable Players Rated Higher: Julio Jones ATL, A.J. Green (Pictured) CIN, Dez Bryant DAL

Notable Players Rated Lower: Jordy Nelson GB, Alshon Jeffery CHI, Antonio Brown PIT

Verdict: Too Low

Look for Marshall to be a top five fantasy receiver this year, no problem. I’d expect himi to be better than Jones for sure, and maybe even better than Bryant or Demaryius Thomas, who’s currently the second rated WR.