2024 Chicago Bears Team Outlook
WR Keenan Allen, --- - Solid/Safe Pick
After a stellar season in which he ranked third in target share (29.9%) and fantasy points per game (21.5), Allen was traded to Chicago where his production will assuredly take a hit. Allen goes from Justin Herbert to a rookie quarterback in Caleb Williams. As talented as Williams is, it is unreasonable to expect him to approach Herbert's volume as a rookie. Furthermore, Allen is competing with D.J. Moore, Rome Odunze, and TE Cole Kmet for targets. All, 32, has no chance of replicating that volume. Allen is still a reliable outlet target, but he's closer to WR3 than a WR1. ADVICE: Reliable veteran but Allen's days of WR1 production are likely behind him
TE Cole Kmet, CHI - Quality Backup
Cole Kmet has improved his production in each of his four NFL seasons, capped off by last season's 73/719/6 (TE8) finish. This is doubly impressive when you consider that the Bears have ranked 22nd, 30th, 32nd, and 27th in passing during the stretch. Enter No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams to quell those concerns. But the Bears now boast a trio of stud wideouts and solid pass-catching running back, putting Kmet no better than fifth in the target pecking order. Kmet can be a decent TE2 or weekly streamer but he is unlikely to sustain fantasy TE1 status. ADVICE: Decent streaming option who won't see enough targets to contend for TE1 numbers
TE Gerald Everett, --- - Deep-league Only
ADVICE: Questionable signing by the Bears who already have Cole Kmet. Everett will be hard-pressed to be fantasy-relevant as Chicago's sixth option
PK Cairo Santos, CHI - Bye Week Fill-in
Santos was a huge surprise last year, posting PK5 overall numbers thanks to tying for the third-most field goal attempts (38). With Caleb Williams and a vastly improved offense, the Bears should be more effective scoring touchdowns. That drops Santos down outside of the top 10. He's a decent option but is better utilized as a weekly streaming option.
Chicago - Bye Week Fill-in
Chicago's defense ranked 12th overall but was 20th in points allowed. For fantasy purposes, the Bears ranked 22nd because they only registered 30 sacks and six fumble recoveries. They should be better in both departments, but this is a defense that has modest potential, at best.
