Monday September 22, 2014
Chicago Bears @ New York Jets

This Monday we have a pretty good matchup as the Bears travel to New York to take on the Jets. We’re not so sure either defense will be able to do much to stop the other. The Jets put up little to no resistance against the pass game, while the Bears can’t stop the run at all. On the other hand, the Jets are dominant against the run, while the Bears are no strangers to forcing turnovers. This game can go either way and may go a long way in shaping each team’s season. Neither team can afford to lose winnable games.

Chicago Bears: Key Players

QB Jay Cutler
Against a dominant Jets’ run defense, Cutler will be forced to air it out. Luckily for him, he’s facing an awful Jets’ secondary. It is very hard to envision the Jets being able to slow down Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery. As long as his O-line can keep him upright, Cutler should have a very big night.
Verdict: Start Cutler. You should probably start most QBs against the Jets. Cutler is surrounded by a ton of great weapons and the Jets will not be able to cover them.

RB Matt Forte
Forte is an elite RB, however he has a very tough task in front of him on Monday night. The Jets have the No. 1 ranked rush defense in the league. There is still hope however. Forte is an excellent pass-catching back. He still has plenty of value in PPR leagues.
Verdict: Start Forte. You drafted him in the top five, and he is almost certainly your best RB. He is a must start every week. Just temper expectations.

WR Brandon Marshall
Last week on a bum ankle against a tough 49ers defense, Marshall went for a hat trick, catching three TD passes. This week he faces a Jets’ pass defense that can’t really cover any one star receiver let alone two.
Verdict: Start Marshall. As long as his ankle holds up, he’s in store for a monster game this week. There may not be a better option at WR this week.

WR Alshon Jeffery
Jeffery is a big talented WR who benefits from having Marshall opposite him. He is pretty much unstoppable when you consider the fact defenses can’t put their best corner on him or key in on him in the game plan. The Jets’ top corner isn’t good, let alone the No. 2 corner.
Verdict: Start Jeffery. If you haven’t gotten the idea yet, the Jets secondary isn’t good and you should start WRs against them.

TE Martellus Bennett
Bennett is a big bodied TE that the Bears target often. He is also very efficient. He’s caught 15 of his 18 targets and has a TD catch in both games this season. He is developing in to a very solid option at TE.
Verdict: Start Bennett. He is quickly becoming a solid TE1 and has a great matchup this week. Make sure you get him in your lineup.

New York Jets: Key Players

QB Geno Smith
The Bears are a very good matchup, however Smith has been plagued with inconsistentsy and is a turnover machine. He may also be without his only viable option as Eric Decker will likely be a game-time decision.
Verdict: Sit Smith. Even though the matchup is favorable, he’s just not a man that can be trusted. You have to be pretty desperate at QB to start him.

RB Chris Johnson
CJ2K is coming off a bad showing last week at Green Bay. He should bounce back in a big way this week. The Bears run defense is dreadful and Johnson’s receiving ability gives him an edge on Chris Ivory, especially in PPR leagues.
Verdict: Start Johnson. I personally prefer him to Ivory, and there’s no doubt at least one of those guys will have a huge game against the Bears.

RB Chris Ivory
Ivory is a strong runner, however he lacks versatility. He is a non-factor in the passing game. Still the matchup is great for him. You have to like every RB not named Trent Richardson against the Bears.
Verdict: Start Ivory. He should have a nice game on the ground. Consider him a more of a flex and Johnson more of a RB2. Ivory may not be your best option, but if you need him, you should be fine.

WR Eric Decker
Decker left last week with a hamstring and was not able to return. This week he will most likely be a game-time decision and his chances don’t look great. Even if he does go, he’ll most likely be limited and susceptible to further injury.
Verdict: Sit Decker. He isn’t even all that great when he’s healthy. So he’s way too risky a play on a bad hammy. You don’t want to start a high risk/low reward player.

WR Jeremy Kerley
Kerley is a bit underrated. He’s a pretty solid WR and if Decker’s out, he could see a lot of targets. Kerley has been the Jets’ best WR for a couple of years now and it wouldn’t be shocking if he gave Decker a run for his money.
Verdict: Sit Kerley. He could have a solid game if Decker’s out, however he’s an extremely risky play. Especially since we likely won’t know Decker’s availability until game-time.

Predictions

Final Score
Chicago: 27
New York: 17

Best Play
Bears: Brandon Marshall
Jets: Chris Johnson

Sleeper
Jeremy Kerley