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As the fantasy football regular season winds down and playoffs start many owners are going to go over their rosters time and time again. The lineup will be set, then owners will tinker. They might like this player over that one based on matchups, the last few weeks, or even a gut feeling. I’ve been telling readers all season to trust their guts, but this is the time of the season not to get cute. This is where you start your guns.
With that being said, make sure that you have your Chicago Bears in the starting lineup in week 14. The Bears host the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night and owners of Matt Forte, Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffrey, Josh McCown and even Martellus Bennett should be licking their lips, as Dallas comes into week 14 allowing the second most fantasy points to quarterbacks, most to running backs, seventh most to tight ends and 14th most to wide receivers.
As mentioned, only one other team is allowing more fantasy points per game to quarterbacks than Dallas. They have allowed opposing signal callers to throw two or more touchdowns in six of 12 games, with three opposing quarterbacks each recording four touchdown passes. 10 different quarterbacks have eclipsed 200 passing yards against Dallas, including four quarterbacks to throw for over 400 yards (and that number would have been five had the Cowboys given Drew Brees a closer game, Brees had 392 yards). Even with the return of Sean Lee, McCown will continue to mix quick, high percentage throws with deep shots. McCown is at least a top 10 quarterback play this week.
Owners shouldn’t be worried about that wide receiver ranking, as Dallas actually has the second worse pass defense in the league. Chicago has two receivers that are in the top five of wide receiver scoring on the season in Marshall and Jeffery, and Dallas has been torched this season by Calvin Johnson, Victor Cruz, Keenan Allen and Marques Colston. There is no reason to think that Dallas defensive backs Morris Claiborne and Brandon Carr should be able to slow down the duo.
Running back Forte is a top five play this week, possibly top three against a Dallas defense that is allowing the sixth most yards per game on the ground at 126.7. Dallas has been burned by pass catching running backs on the season, allowing touchdowns against Jamaal Charles, Danny Woodhead and Darren Sproles, all players who are utilized in similar fashion to Forte. Forte should have no problems getting through the Dallas defensive line, as well as getting the ball in space on the flat for some big gains.
Even inconsistent Bennett has a good on paper matchup. Due to the lack of depth at tight end, unless you have a stud like Jimmy Graham or Rob Gronkowski, Bennett should be in your starting lineup. Bennett is quietly 10th in tight end scoring on the season, and Dallas has allowed both Julius Thomas and Antonio Gates each to go over 100 yards with touchdowns, as well as allowing two scores to Brandon Meyers and one to Kyle Rudolph.
Whichever of the Bears you have, you need to have them in your starting lineup this weekend. The Dallas defense has been a fantasy goldmine for opponents this season (with and without Lee), and has shown no inclination that they will turn it around. Start your Bears.
As always, I welcome your comments. If you think I’m wrong, I’m willing to listen. Just back it up with some facts and solid evidence. Thanks for reading and good luck this season.
Dustin Manko is an author at Rant Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DustinManko, ”Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
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